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...
The Law Firm Where the Family is our Focus
Year: 2021
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...
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...
What are the Duties of a Personal Representative in Probate?
Whether appointed by the court or named in a will, personal representatives play an integral role in the Washington probate process. They are charged with managing the decedent’s estate, paying debts and distributing assets as instructed by the will or as provided by...
Using Evaluators and Advocates in Child Custody Cases
Child custody disputes can often be contentious, and especially so when substance abuse, questionable parenting or children with special needs are involved. Depending on the circumstances, an evaluator or advocate may be requested by one of the parents or by the...
How Can a Parent’s Mental Illness Affect Child Custody and Support?
The best interest of the child is the standard that guides a court in deciding a custody case, and a parent’s ability to provide a safe and nurturing environment factors heavily into the evaluation. As such, the court will consider whether a parent has a mental...
Keeping Personal and Business Assets Separate Can Help Prevent a Messy Divorce
One of the most contentious issues in divorce is the division of marital assets. This can become even more complicated if one or both of the spouses has an ownership stake in a business. While several factors can affect whether a spouse is entitled to receive assets...
Using Payable on Death Accounts and Transfer on Death Deeds to Avoid Probate
When a person passes away in Washington, their estate’s financial matters may be resolved during the court process known as probate. This can be expensive and time-consuming. However, there are estate planning measures that can minimize probate or avoid it all...
Using Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts as Part of Estate Planning
There are a number of strategies that can be used in estate planning to reduce tax consequences. A grantor retained annuity trust (GRAT) is an instrument that can potentially allow a person to transfer wealth to the next generation with minimal or no gift tax...
Preparing Estate Planning Documents During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Given the uncertainties of the coronavirus pandemic, estate planning is more critical now than ever. No matter your age or health condition, there are specific documents that everyone should have in place to ensure peace of mind. Although COVID-19 and social...