Blog
Recent Blog Posts
Washington’s “Medically Needy” Spenddown Program Helps Elderly Adults Cover Medical Expenses
To be eligible for Medicaid — known in Washington as Apple Health — an applicant must have income and assets below a certain amount. Many older people have income or assets that exceed Apple Health’s limits, but they also have high medical expenses that they can’t afford. What remedies are available in this predicament? Washington […]
What Happens to Your Child Custody Arrangement if You Move Across the Country?
Life goes on after your initial child custody arrangement is determined. A major life change, such as a new job opportunity, may lead you to move away from the Seattle-Tacoma area or from Washington entirely. In these situations, it is critical to understand Washington law as it relates to relocating with a child. Under Washington […]
Deciding Between Divorce Mediation and Collaborative Divorce
Divorcing couples often feel “sticker shock” when they find out how much it can cost to end a marriage. These days, the cost of litigating a highly contested divorce involving children and property can easily reach six figures. This is one reason why many couples seek less expensive ways of ending their marriage, such as […]
Can You File a Personal Injury Lawsuit After the Statute of Limitations Has Run?
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by another’s negligence, it’s crucial to keep in mind that you only have a limited amount of time to pursue a personal injury claim. In Washington State, the statute of limitations to commence a personal injury action is three years, beginning on the date the accident occurred. […]
How to Use a Living Trust as Part of Your Estate Planning
When people think about planning their estates, a will might be the first thing that comes to mind. However, it’s essential to be aware that there are other tools that can be used as part of a comprehensive estate plan. Sometimes known as an “inter vivos” trust, a living trust can offer many benefits and […]
What to Do After an Accident with an Uninsured Driver
Being injured in a car accident can be a terrifying and overwhelming experience, and if you were struck by an uninsured driver, you might not only worry about recovering from your injuries, but you may also be wondering how your medical bills will be paid. Although it can be more difficult to recover compensation in […]
Who Gets the Family Pet in a Divorce?
Pets are beloved family members in many households. In the event of a divorce, custody issues concerning the family pet can be highly emotional and contentious. While pets are still legally classified as property in Washington State, courts are increasingly departing from a traditional property analysis to determine which spouse should be awarded custody. Instead, […]
Is PIP Insurance Required in Washington State?
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a form of insurance coverage that can help cover certain expenses after a motor vehicle accident, no matter which party is at fault. While Washington State doesn’t require drivers to carry PIP insurance, it can offer crucial financial benefits if you’ve been injured in a collision. Most importantly, PIP insurance […]
New Washington State Law Replaces Nonparental Custody with Legal Guardianship
Washington State recently adopted new legislation that allows an individual to request “minor guardianship” rather than file for nonparental custody. This new law changes the court process by which an individual can apply for legal guardianship of a child, but doesn’t affect nonparent custody cases in which a final order has been entered. Minor guardianship […]
How to Contest a Will in Washington Probate Court
People create wills not only to distribute property but also to give directions on how to manage their affairs. However, sometimes there are doubts about the decedent’s intent that must be resolved even if a will exists. If you suspect the decedent’s will wasn’t properly executed or that it might otherwise be invalid, you may […]
