When starting a new small business, choosing between an S corporation and a limited liability company (LLC) depends on your goals for taxation, ownership structure, and administrative complexity.

When starting a new small business, choosing between an S corporation and a limited liability company (LLC) depends on your goals for taxation, ownership structure, and administrative complexity. An LLC offers flexibility, with fewer formalities and the ability to be taxed as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or even an S corp. In contrast, an S corporation provides potential tax savings on self-employment taxes but comes with stricter ownership requirements and corporate formalities. If you’re looking for simplicity and flexibility, an LLC may be the better fit; if you’re planning to pay yourself a reasonable salary and reinvest profits, the S corp structure might offer more tax advantages. It’s wise to consult with a tax professional or an experienced attorney to determine which option aligns best with your long-term strategy.

If you’re planning to start up a new business and have questions about your business structure, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to see how we can help. We represent clients throughout Washington and Idaho and are available to meet in person, by phone, or via video conference for the convenience of our clients.

Today marks a significant update to Washington’s estate tax framework: as of July 1, 2025, the individual estate tax exemption has increased from $2.193 million to $3 million.

Today marks a significant update to Washington’s estate tax framework: as of July 1, 2025, the individual estate tax exemption has increased from $2.193 million to $3 million, and this threshold will now be adjusted annually for inflation beginning in January 2026. While this provides relief for many families, the changes come with steeper tax rates — now ranging from 10% up to 35% on amounts exceeding the exemption (previously capped at 20%). For example, estates over $9 million will face the highest bracket, a sharp rise that could substantially increase the tax liability for high-net-worth decedents. In essence, fewer estates will owe tax, but those that do may pay significantly more — making it essential for Washington residents to review their estate planning strategies — such as spousal deductions, Trusts, or lifetime gifts — to manage the impact under this new law.

If you have questions about Washington’s new estate tax laws, or any other aspect of estate planning, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to make an appointment today.

One of the key responsibilities of a Personal Representative (also known as an Executor) in a Washington probate proceeding is preparing a thorough and accurate estate inventory.

One of the key responsibilities of a Personal Representative (also known as an Executor) in a Washington probate proceeding is preparing a thorough and accurate estate inventory. This inventory is a formal list of the decedent’s assets as of the date of death and is required by Washington law to be completed within three months of appointment. The purpose of the inventory is to establish the value of the estate, assist in determining debts and taxes, and provide beneficiaries with a clear picture of the estate’s holdings. The inventory should include all real estate, personal property such as vehicles, bank accounts, investment accounts, money owed to the decedent, business interests, household items of value, and any other tangible or intangible assets owned by the decedent at the time of death. Debts are not listed on the inventory but are addressed separately during estate administration. Valuing each asset appropriately may require appraisals, account statements, or other documentation. In Washington, while the inventory must be prepared, it is typically not required to be filed with the court or served on beneficiaries unless requested. However, transparency and good recordkeeping are essential, especially if disputes are possible. Preparing a comprehensive inventory early in the probate process lays the foundation for efficient estate administration, accurate tax reporting, and a smoother path to final distribution.

If you’ve been named as Personal Representative of an estate and need assistance or representation, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment today.

After a catastrophic auto collision, hiring an experienced lawyer can make a crucial difference in protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.

After a catastrophic auto collision, hiring an experienced lawyer can make a crucial difference in protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. Severe injuries, such as broken bones, organ damage, or traumatic brain injuries, often lead to overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, long-term care needs, or permanent disability and insurance companies may try to minimize payouts or shift blame. A skilled attorney can navigate the complexities of liability, gather evidence, work with experts, and handle negotiations with insurers — allowing you to focus on healing. Early legal representation also helps preserve critical evidence and strengthens your case should litigation become necessary.

If you or a friend, family member, neighbor, or coworker have been injured in an auto collision, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to make an appointment for a free initial consultation today. Video conferences are absolutely available for those folks who are injured an unable to physically come in to our office to meet.

Planning for disability is a crucial part of any comprehensive estate plan, and two of the most important tools for doing so are a Durable Power of Attorney and a Health Care Power of Attorney.

Planning for the possibility of disability is a crucial part of any comprehensive estate plan, and two of the most important tools for doing so are a Durable Power of Attorney and a Health Care Power of Attorney. A Durable Power of Attorney allows you to appoint someone you trust to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated, ensuring your bills are paid, your assets are protected, and your obligations are met without the need for a costly and time-consuming court guardianship. A Health Care Power of Attorney, on the other hand, gives a trusted person the authority to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to speak for yourself. Together, these documents provide peace of mind and ensure that your wishes are respected and your affairs handled efficiently during a time when you may not be able to act for yourself.

If you have questions about Powers of Attorney or any other aspect of estate planning, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to make an appointment today.

Having a basic estate plan is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are honored.

Having a basic estate plan is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are honored. Even a simple plan — typically including a Will, Durable Power of Attorney, and Health Care Directive — can prevent confusion, family disputes, and unnecessary legal expenses after your death or if you become incapacitated. Without these documents, state law will determine who inherits your assets and who can make decisions on your behalf, which may not align with your preferences. Taking the time to create a basic estate plan offers peace of mind and helps provide clarity and direction during some of life’s most difficult moments.

If you have questions about creating a Will or other estate planning documents, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment today. We represent clients throughout Washington and Idaho and are available to meet in person, by phone, or via video conference.

Here in Washington, several streamlined estate planning tools can help you avoid probate, saving your loved ones time, money, and emotional stress.

Here in Washington, several streamlined estate planning tools can help you avoid probate, saving your loved ones time, money, and emotional stress. Establishing a Revocable Living Trust and properly funding it during your lifetime ensures your assets — such as real estate, bank accounts, and vehicles — are managed privately and distributed seamlessly by a successor trustee upon your passing. Alternatively, joint tenancy with right of survivorship or Community Property Agreements (for married couples) allow assets to transfer automatically to the surviving co-owner. Utilizing beneficiary designations — through payable-on-death accounts, transfer-on-death registrations for securities, and TOD deeds for real estate — ensures accounts and property bypass probate entirely. And for smaller estates under $100,000 (excluding real estate), a Small Estate Affidavit provides a simplified, probate-free path. By integrating these techniques, Washington residents can create an efficient and private plan that ensures assets pass smoothly to beneficiaries without the delays and expenses of probate.

If you have questions about how to avoid probate or any other estate planning questions, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment today.

Incorporating charitable giving into your estate plan is a powerful way to leave a lasting legacy and support causes that matter most to you.

Incorporating charitable giving into your estate plan is a powerful way to leave a lasting legacy and support causes that matter most to you. Whether through a bequest in your Will, a Charitable Remainder Trust, or naming a nonprofit organization as a beneficiary of an IRA or life insurance policy, planned giving can offer both personal fulfillment and potential tax advantages for your estate. It’s also a thoughtful opportunity to model generosity and purpose for the next generation. With proper planning, you can ensure that your values continue to make an impact long after you’re gone.

If you have questions about including charitable gifts in your estate plan, or any other estate planning questions, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to make an appointment today. We proudly represent clients throughout Washington and Idaho and are available to meet in person, by phone, or via video conference.

At its core, contract law is built on the simple yet powerful principle that people should do what they say they’re going to do.

At its core, contract law is built on the simple yet powerful principle that people should do what they say they’re going to do. This fundamental idea — known as the principle of “pacta sunt servanda,” or “agreements must be kept” — forms the backbone of our legal system’s approach to enforcing promises. When two parties voluntarily enter into an agreement, the law steps in to ensure that each side upholds their end of the bargain. Whether it’s a handshake deal or a complex written contract, this expectation of follow-through creates stability, accountability, and trust in both personal and business relationships. Without it, the predictability that underpins commerce and cooperation would break down.

If you’re a party to a contract and the other party isn’t holding up their end of the deal, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to see how we can help. We represent clients throughout Washington and Idaho and are available to meet in person, by phone, or via video conference.

After a catastrophic auto collision, hiring an experienced lawyer is critical to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

After a catastrophic auto collision, hiring an experienced lawyer is critical to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. These high-stakes cases often involve severe injuries, long-term medical care, permanent disability, loss of income, and complex liability issues. A skilled lawyer can investigate the collision, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, file a lawsuit to hold the responsible parties accountable. Acting quickly is important, as evidence can disappear and legal deadlines can pass. Don’t navigate the aftermath of a life-altering collision alone — legal guidance can make all the difference in your recovery and financial future.

If you or a friend, family member, neighbor, or coworker have been injured in a serious auto collision, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to make an appointment for a free initial consultation today.

When it comes to estate planning, gifting assets creatively to younger generations can not only reduce estate taxes but also foster financial literacy and responsibility.

When it comes to estate planning, gifting assets creatively to younger generations can not only reduce estate taxes but also foster financial literacy and responsibility. One effective approach is setting up a family trust that distributes funds based on milestones like college graduation or starting a business, encouraging personal growth while preserving wealth. Gifting shares in a family-owned business can instill a sense of ownership and entrepreneurial spirit. Additionally, funding a Roth IRA for a working teenager or contributing to a 529 college savings plan can offer long-term tax advantages while supporting education and retirement. These thoughtful strategies go beyond traditional inheritances, turning wealth transfer into a meaningful legacy.

If you have questions about generational transfers of wealth for estate planning purposes — or any other estate planning questions — give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment today. We represent clients throughout Washington and Idaho and are available to meet in person, by phone, or via video conference.

Navigating the probate process in Washington can be complex, especially during a time of grief. Hiring a lawyer can help ease the burden.

Navigating the probate process in Washington can be complex, especially during a time of grief. Hiring a lawyer can help ease the burden by ensuring that all legal requirements are met, deadlines are followed, and assets are distributed according to the Will or state law. Washington has unique probate laws, including options for simplified procedures in certain cases, and an experienced lawyer can help determine the most efficient path forward. Whether you’re a Personal Representative managing the estate or a family member with questions about your rights, legal guidance can help prevent costly mistakes and protect your loved one’s legacy.

If you or a friend, family member, neighbor, or co-worker have questions about the probate process in Washington, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to see how we can be of service.

Churches, like any other organization, face a wide range of legal challenges that require professional guidance to navigate safely and ethically.

Churches, like any other organization, face a wide range of legal challenges that require professional guidance to navigate safely and ethically. From property transactions and employment law to tax compliance and risk management, churches operate within a complex legal framework that must be respected to preserve their mission and integrity. A lawyer can help ensure that bylaws are correctly drafted and followed, board decisions are legally sound, and the church’s nonprofit status remains in good standing. Legal counsel also protects churches in areas like child safety policies, intellectual property rights, and liability issues. Simply put, having a knowledgeable lawyer is not just a safeguard — it’s a stewardship decision that supports the church’s long-term health and mission.

We have been represent individual churches and other nonprofit organizations for nearly 30 years. If your is facing legal issues and need representation, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to find out how we can help.

Special rules can apply when doing estate planning for clients who own family farmland, timber land, or Individual Fishing Quotas (IFQs).

When doing estate planning for clients who own family farm land, timber land, or Individual Fishing Quotas (IFQs), we have to navigate a complex web of federal and state regulations designed to preserve these unique assets across generations. These holdings often qualify for special tax provisions — such as Internal Revenue Code Section 2032A for farmland or deferral options for timber and IFQs — that can significantly reduce estate tax liability if properly structured. However, eligibility hinges on strict use and ownership requirements, such as continued qualified use for a set period after death and limitations on who can inherit the asset. Failure to meet these rules can trigger recapture penalties or force asset sales, undermining legacy goals. Effective planning involves early and careful coordination with legal, tax, and industry professionals to ensure that these valuable, often sentimental assets remain viable for future generations.

If you have questions about special rules that can apply to certain estates, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment today. We represent clients throughout Washington and Idaho and are available to meet in person, by phone, or via video conference.

If you own real estate in more than one state, incorporating a Revocable Living Trust into your estate plan is a smart strategy to avoid the costly and time-consuming process of ancillary probate.

If you own real estate in more than one state, incorporating a Revocable Living Trust into your estate plan is a smart strategy to avoid the costly and time-consuming process of ancillary probate. When you pass away, any out-of-state property not held in a Trust typically must go through probate in that state, which can delay distribution to your heirs and increase legal fees. By transferring ownership of each property into a Revocable Living Trust during your lifetime, you maintain control over the assets while alive and ensure they pass directly to your beneficiaries upon your death — without the need for separate probate proceedings in each state. This not only streamlines estate administration but also preserves privacy and can significantly reduce the overall burden on your loved ones.

If you have questions about any aspect of estate planning, give us a call at 253.858.5434 today.