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News
Navigating Divorce: The Importance of Financial and Appraisal Experts
Divorces are stressful and emotionally challenging. Amidst feelings of loss and uncertainty, there are practical matters that require careful attention, especially when it comes to financial assets. In addition to having a strong family law attorney on your side, you will likely need experienced financial and appraisal experts as well. Experts provide essential support during
2025 Washington Employment Law Update – Minimum Wage, Exempt Employees, and Noncompete Updates
Minimum Wage Beginning on January 1, 2025, the minimum wage in Washington will go up to $16.66 per hour, up 2.35% from 2024. In addition to the statewide minimum, various cities and counties have a dizzying array of higher minimum wages based on differing standards. City or County 2025 Minimum Wage Notes Seattle $20.76 SeaTac
The Rules of Washington Noncompetition Agreements Have Changed
As of June 2024, the legal parameters of Washington noncompetition agreements were refined by the passing of Substitute Senate Bill 5935. The bill, which passed by the Legislature in February and was signed into law by Governor Jay Inslee in March, took effect on June 6, 2024. Amending five provisions of RCW 49.62, the new
“Nesting” During Divorce: Is Nesting Right for My Family?
“Nesting” is a custody arrangement where, rather than having children move between homes, the children stay in the family home and the parents move back and forth and alternate living there. While it may sound appealing, nesting can be challenging in practice. Here are some considerations for divorcing parents thinking about before agreeing or committing
Is There Anything My Neighborhood Can Do to Ban Short-Term Rentals?
In 2014, long before the pandemic spurred the proliferation of short-term residential home rentals like those offered through Airbnb and other services, the Washington Supreme Court in Wilkinson v. Chiwawa Community Associations addressed whether a homeowners’ association (“HOA”) exceeded its power to amend covenants when a simple majority of the homeowners voted to prohibit short-term
Judgment Collection: Using Charging Orders to Acquire LLC Membership Interests
Judgment creditors often encounter challenges when trying to collect a debt when a debtor’s assets are held in a limited liability company (LLC), as opposed to assets held directly in the debtor’s name. However, creditors have legal remedies available to address this situation. One useful remedy is a charging order, a legal tool codified under
Handling Narcissistic Traits in Divorce Mediations (Strategies for Successful Settlement)
In the world of divorce proceedings, the term “narcissist” has become a common label. However, it’s important to understand that merely labeling a spouse as a narcissist does not necessarily influence the court’s decisions or result in punitive measures. While the term may be used frequently by divorce litigants to describe challenging behavior, it does
What is a “Defunct Marriage” in Washington?
Merriam-Webster defines “defunct” as “no longer living, existing, or functioning.” In Washington, a “defunct marriage” is a term for spouses who have given up any hope of salvaging the relationship, and yet for whatever reason have not filed for divorce.[1] This blog explains why defunct marriages are relevant for purposes of a divorce. It is
Lasher Holzapfel Sperry & Ebberson Adds New Lawyers to Family Law and Litigation Practice Groups
Lasher Holzapfel Sperry & Ebberson is pleased to announce that Aaron Schwartz, Emily Husa and Faye Washburn have joined the firm. Aaron Schwartz joins the firm as Counsel, with nearly 20 years of litigation practice spanning a wide range of matters from simple wage disputes to complex class actions involving hundreds of millions of dollars.
Real Estate Conveyances: Which Deed is Right for Me?
When considering whether to enter into a contract to buy or sell property, you may come across various types of deeds by which title may be transferred. In Washington State, there are three common types of deeds that may be used: a statutory warranty deed, a bargain and sale deed, and a quit claim deed.