News & Resources

Recent News and Educational Resources from Reed Longyear

“Trying” to comply with an Order to Surrender Weapons is not good enough

Earlier this month, Washington’s Court of Appeals issued a decision that helps protect domestic violence survivors from gun violence by clarifying 1) that a restrained person has the burden of proving she/he has complied with a court order requiring him/her to surrender weapons and 2) that filing a “Proof of Surrender” form is not conclusive […]

Getting prepared if divorce is your New Year’s resolution

January is a great time to change habits and make a new beginning. It’s also a time when people take a hard look at their lives and make decisions about what they want their future to look like. If you have taken a hard look at your marriage and determined that a future together is […]

After divorce, who pays for college?

Most parents worry about their ability to cover higher education costs for their children. That issue becomes more complex when parents get divorced. For them, the question is not just how, but who. In Washington, child support is usually only paid until a child turns 18 or graduates from high school (whichever occurs later). The […]

How to Use a Power of Attorney

What is a Power of Attorney? What Should You do if You are Named as a Power of Attorney? What Should You do if a Power of Attorney is Rejected?     What is a Power of Attorney? A durable power of attorney is a simple legal document where you choose who will manage your […]

Seattle Income Tax: What it Means for You

You may have heard about the new Seattle Income tax of 2.25%. If you are wondering what the tax means for you, here are answers to some common questions about the tax: Who will be required to pay the income tax? The tax only applies to Seattle residents. Additionally, only married couples earning more than […]

Top 10 Questions Asked at a First Consult for Divorce

One of the heaviest doors to open is the one that leads to your first meeting with a divorce lawyer. In addition to all the emotional stress of separating from your life partner, there are usually an endless number of questions about the path you are about to travel. Having met with countless clients who […]

US Supreme Court Unanimously Rules for Veteran in Family Law Case

On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously handed a victory to veterans when it decided Howell v. Howell, No. 15-1031. The case involved an Air Force veteran, who was divorced from his former wife more than 25 years ago. Anticipating the husband’s future retirement, the divorce decree awarded 50% of his retirement benefits to the […]

Trade Secrets – A Primer

The protection of trade secrets is a growing topic of concern for our clients. These situations don’t usually involve elaborate thefts but rather concerns of misuse by former employees. This primer is designed to help both employers and departing employees better understand trade secret concerns. This is not legal advice, but a guide to prompt […]

Estate Tax Planning for Married Non-US Citizens Residing in the US

Living in Washington state, you may face two estate taxes when you die: a Washington estate tax and a federal estate tax. If you are married and have a non-US citizen spouse, you may need to consider special estate tax planning as part of your estate plan to reduce these estate taxes. Washington estate taxes […]