You might think it is enough to tell your loved ones what you would like them to inherit from you, but your statements alone are not enough, and here is why: The Dead Man’s Statute, RCW 5.60.030, is designed to prevent interested parties from testifying against the decedent’s estate about interactions they had with the […]
Proactive Planning: A Quick Guide to Purchasing Insurance
An important variable in determining whether my clients will receive full value on their injury claim is their selection of insurance coverage and certain contract clauses buried in their insurance policy. Often a personal injury client believes they have “full” or “comprehensive” coverage; only to discover, at the most important time, they have not purchased […]
Tipping in Washington State: FAQ for the Employer and Employee
I frequently receive questions about tipping from small business or restaurant owners and employees. The purpose of this article is to provide initial answers to a couple of common questions. As always, this is not intended to be legal advice and context is everything. If you have questions specific to your situation you should consult with […]
What an Employer Needs to Know When Creating an Employee Manual
What is an Employee Manual? In Washington State it almost certainly is not a contract or agreement to change the at-will nature of your employment. It is a guide for Employees to understand Company policies. It is a guide for Employers to understand their obligations under the law, and to establish policies and goals in […]
Michael Longyear named as 2014 Washington Super Lawyer
Congratulations to Michael Longyear, who was named as a 2014 Washington Super Lawyers honoree in the areas of Estate Planning & Probate, Closely Held Business, and Elder Law.
What is a Health Care Durable Power of Attorney?
In Washington State, a Health Care Durable Power of Attorney (HCDPOA) is a document that allows the principal (the person for whom the document is prepared) to give a trusted individual the authority to make health care decisions on the principal’s behalf when the principal is unable to due to incapacity (See State of Washington […]
Employment Law FAQs: Is My Severance Package Fair?
I receive plenty of phone calls and e-mails from employees and executives asking if their severance packages are fair. These individuals tend to have the same general questions involving provisions of their severance agreement, the amount of compensation they may or may not be receiving, and if they need an attorney. In most situations, an attorney […]
What is a Living Will?
A Living Will, also known as a Health Care Directive, is a document which allows you to tell your loved ones your preferences regarding difficult end of life decisions. Imagine if you had a medical condition or injury that was so severe that you were not able to communicate, and your loved ones were placed […]
Questions of Liability in Car-for-Hire and Rideshare Services
Uber, Lyft, Sidecar and other non-traditional car-for-hire services are growing quickly in the Seattle and other major metropolitan areas. I have used Uber several times and find the service fantastic, the system easy to navigate, and the rides affordable. I haven’t used Lyft yet as the large pink mustaches frighten me. The ongoing news stories […]
Was I Wrongfully Terminated? Common Questions Posed to an Employment Attorney
I receive a lot of phone calls and e-mails from frustrated or embarrassed employees, former employees, managers, and small business owners. These individuals tend to have the same general questions, and though a lawsuit is rarely warranted I try to provide some general wisdom when answering those questions. This series of posts identifies some of […]