When you divorce in Washington — especially with minor children — it’s crucial to update your Will as soon as possible.

When you divorce in Washington — especially with minor children — it’s crucial to update your Will as soon as possible. Washington’s automatic “revocation-on-divorce” statute (RCW 11.12.051) ensures that any gifts, appointments, or powers granted to your ex spouse in your Will are voided upon final decree — but this safeguard only affects your ex, not in-laws, Trustees, or guardians you may have named. Without drafting a new Will, fallback intestacy rules may take effect, and unintended parties might inherit or be named to fiduciary positions in your estate plan. A fresh Will allows you to designate a new guardian and Trustee for your kids, ensure their financial protection through testamentary Trusts, and clarify other beneficiaries. You’ll also want to revise non‑Will assets — like IRAs, life insurance, and 401(k)s — as Washington law and federal ERISA rules treat them differently after divorce. By promptly replacing your old Will with a properly executed, up-to-date one, you ensure your children are the ones who benefit — and that your wishes are legally honored.

If you have estate planning questions, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment today!

Here are some good reasons to have an estate plan in place that fits your and your family's specific needs and circumstances.

Do you own a house? Do you have kids? Do you own a vacation place or investment property outside of your home state? Do you own a small business? Do you have a child with special needs? Do you have a child or other loved one who suffers from mental illness or is battling addiction issues? Are you an artist, author, musician, or songwriter? Do you own family farmland or timberland or own Individual Fishing Quotas (IFQs)? Do you want to make significant gifts or bequests to a charitable organization that means something special to you? These are all good reasons to have an estate plan in place that fits your and your family's specific needs and circumstances. Give us a call at 253.858.5434 to find out how we can help.

When negotiations with an insurance company stall or fail to result in a fair settlement, filing a lawsuit can be the necessary next step in a personal injury case.

When negotiations with an insurance company stall or fail to result in a fair settlement, filing a lawsuit can be the necessary next step in a personal injury case. This move signals that you are serious about pursuing full compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages. Filing suit doesn’t mean the case will definitely go to trial — many cases still settle afterward — but it does trigger formal discovery, deadlines, and court oversight, which can pressure the other side to be more reasonable. An experienced and knowledgable lawyer will help you evaluate whether it’s time to escalate and guide you through the process from complaint to potential resolution.

If you or a friend, family member, neighbor, or coworker have a personal injury case and settlements negotiations seem to have stalled, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to see how we can be of service.

A Personal Representative is permitted to advance expenses out of pocket in caring for, managing, and settling the estate.

In Washington, a Personal Representative (formerly called an Executor or Administrator) is statutorily permitted to advance necessary and reasonable expenses out of pocket on behalf of the probate estate — including funeral costs, filing fees, property maintenance, travel, professional services, and other charges incurred in caring for, managing, and settling the estate (RCW 11.48.050). These expenditures should be documented meticulously and later included in the final accounting to the court, supported by receipts or canceled checks, except that small items under $20 may be sworn without a receipt — up to a total of $300 per estate (RCW 11.76.100). Reimbursement is typically made from estate funds once assets are liquidated or deposits shifted to the estate bank account and must be approved by the court at the time of the final distribution, unless interim allowances have previously been authorized. This process safeguards fiduciary duties, ensuring transparency and fairness to beneficiaries.

If you’ve been named Personal Representative of a loved one’s estate and have questions about estate administration, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to see how we can help.

When preparing your estate plan, it’s important to understand the difference between probate and non-probate assets.

When preparing your estate plan, it’s important to understand the difference between probate and non-probate assets. Probate assets are those that pass through your Will and are subject to the court-supervised probate process — this typically includes assets titled solely in your name, like real estate or bank accounts without a named beneficiary. Non-probate assets, on the other hand, pass directly to a beneficiary outside of probate. These may include jointly owned property, accounts with payable-on-death or transfer-on-death designations, life insurance proceeds, and assets held in a Trust. Properly designating non-probate assets can simplify the transfer of wealth, reduce legal costs, and avoid delays for your loved ones.

If you have questions about how to utilize non-probate assets as part of your estate plan, or any other estate planning questions, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to find out how we can help.

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.