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Practical legal knowledge to help Washington families and investors make informed decisions about their estate, business, and investments.

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Gene Hackman's $80 Million Estate Planning Mistake — And What It Means for Your Plan

An Oscar-winning actor, an $80 million estate, and a twenty-year-old trust that named no contingent beneficiary. When Gene Hackman's wife predeceased him by six days, his entire estate fell to intestate succession — and the three children he apparently wanted to disinherit.

June 15, 20269 min read

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Estate PlanningJuly 2, 202611 min read

Washington's Estate Tax: The Low Exemption, No Portability, and the No-Gift-Tax Escape Hatch

The federal estate tax now spares almost everyone — but Washington quietly taxes estates starting at just $3 million, allows no portability between spouses, and just saw its top rate swing from 35% back to 20% in the span of a year. The good news: Washington has no gift tax, and that opens a planning door most other states do not have.

Estate PlanningJuly 3, 202610 min read

Why Step-Up in Basis Is Now the Center of Estate Planning

With the federal estate tax exemption at $15 million, fewer than 1% of families will ever owe federal estate tax — so the real money is now in income tax. The step-up in basis can erase a lifetime of capital gains at death, and Washington's community-property "double step-up" makes it even more powerful. But gifting assets away can quietly forfeit it.

Real EstateJune 30, 202613 min read

Buying Out Your Partner: How Acquiring an LLC Interest Can Qualify as Replacement Property in a 1031 Exchange

A partnership interest cannot be exchanged under §1031 — yet under Revenue Ruling 99-6, buying out your co-owner so you become the sole member of the LLC is treated as acquiring the underlying real property. That means the buyout can qualify as replacement property for you, even though the same transaction is an ordinary taxable sale for the partner cashing out.

Real EstateJune 29, 202612 min read

Live in One Unit, Rent the Other: Combining the Section 121 Home-Sale Exclusion With a 1031 Exchange

When you sell a property that is part home, part rental — like a duplex you live in — you are really selling two properties for tax purposes. Here is how to take the residence-side cash tax-free, defer the rental-side gain, and avoid taking on debt you do not want.

Tax PlanningJune 5, 202614 min read

Exchanging Out of California (or Oregon): The Holdback, the Clawback, and the Filing That Never Ends

A 1031 exchange defers your federal capital gains tax — but when the property you sell sits in California or Oregon and you buy elsewhere, the state wants money held back at closing and reserves the right to tax the deferred gain years later. Here is how both regimes work.

Real EstateMay 29, 20268 min read

Three New Washington Housing Laws Taking Effect June 11 — What They Mean for 1031 Exchanges

Governor Ferguson signed a package of housing bills during the 2026 session, and three of them take effect June 11, 2026. None mention 1031 exchanges directly — but each one changes the landscape for investment property in Washington.

Estate PlanningJune 4, 20268 min read

The Trust Double-Taxation Trap: What the One Big Beautiful Bill Means for Your Estate Plan

A footnote in the Joint Committee on Taxation's guidance may force trusts to pay income tax on distributions that are also taxed to beneficiaries. If you have a revocable trust, charitable remainder trust, or any trust that distributes income, this affects you.

Tax PlanningApril 29, 202610 min read

Four Strategies for Managing Capital Gains: A Decision Framework for Washington Investors

Every capital gain presents a choice — recognize it, defer it, offset it, or eliminate it. Understanding which strategy fits your situation can save you hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Estate PlanningApril 18, 20269 min read

Washington's New Tax Landscape: Estate Planning Strategies for High-Net-Worth Residents

Washington has enacted a capital gains tax, a new income tax on high earners, and restructured estate tax rates. Here is how thoughtful estate planning can help you respond.

Estate PlanningMarch 15, 20265 min read

The Three Most Important Estate Planning Documents You Need Today

Many people think of a will as the cornerstone of estate planning. While essential, it is not the only document you should have.

Estate PlanningFebruary 28, 20266 min read

What is Probate and How Can I Avoid It?

The word probate is often associated with a long, expensive, and public court process. Learn what it really means and your options.

Business SuccessionFebruary 10, 20265 min read

Planning Your Exit: Why Every Business Owner Needs a Succession Plan

You have poured your heart and soul into building your company. Have you thought about what happens when you step away?

1031 ExchangesJanuary 20, 20267 min read

Deferring Taxes with a 1031 Exchange: What Real Estate Investors Need to Know

A 1031 exchange can be a powerful tool for real estate investors looking to grow portfolios while deferring capital gains taxes.

Entity FormationsJanuary 5, 20266 min read

LLC vs. Corporation: Choosing the Right Entity for Your Business

One of the most important decisions when starting a business is choosing the right legal entity structure.

Real EstateDecember 18, 20258 min read

The Home Buying Process: A Step-by-Step Guide to a Smooth Closing

Buying a home is an exciting milestone. This guide walks through the process in Washington from offer to closing.

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