Pop culture sometimes provides us with valuable lessons about the importance of estate planning. For example, as Trusts & Estates magazine pointed out, at the heart of the first season of the hit show Empire was a story of the trials and…
Read MoreFor Washington residents facing the possibility of a sizable estate tax bill, establishing residency in a different state may be worth considering, particularly for those who already have a second residence in another state. Establishing residency in another state may…
Read MoreA properly structured sublease can be a prudent strategy in a commercial lease transaction. However, if poorly drafted, a sublease can unnecessarily expose all three parties (the landlord, tenant and subtenant) to unforeseen liabilities and risks.
Read MoreAs of April 1, 2017, failure to update employee handbooks and sick leave policies will carry drastic consequences for all Seattle employers with more than four full-time equivalent employees.
Read MoreIn Estate of Purdue, T.C. Memo. 2015-249, the United States Tax Court denied an IRS attempt to disregard lifetime estate planning implemented by Barbara and Robert Purdue (the “Purdues”). MPBA attorneys, primarily Alan L. Montgomery and George W. Akers, advised Mr. and Mrs. Purdue…
Read MoreThe Washington Supreme Court issued a recent decision that significantly limits the scope of claims an insured can make against its insurer under the Washington Insurance Fair Conduct Act (IFCA). In Perez-Crisantos v. State Farm Fire and Casualty Co., No.…
Read MoreWashington State’s Model Toxics Control Act Washington State’s Model Toxics Control Act (“MTCA”), the state’s counterpart to the federal Superfund law, also known as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”), provides that current and former property owners…
Read MoreAn essential component of a complete estate plan Durable powers of attorney are an essential component of a complete estate plan. These documents allow you to dictate the person who has the authority (the “agent”) to make important financial and…
Read MoreBlog post written by Sara Campbell and Jay Corker Free. Initiative 1433 was approved by Washington voters on November 8, 2016. The measure gradually increases the statewide minimum wage to $13.50 per hour by 2020, and requires employers to provide…
Read MoreBlog post written by Scott Feir and Jay Corker Free. Ensuring tenant safety just became more challenging. HUD and the Washington State Attorney General’s Office recently informed landlords that turning down housing applicants based on their criminal records may constitute…
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