Legal marriage protects LGBTQ+ couples in Washington at a foundational level – but it doesn’t automatically transfer assets, protect a partner’s medical decision-making role, or prevent family members from contesting an estate. Washington’s community property laws and its state estate tax threshold (set below the federal limit in 2026) create specific planning needs that only proper legal documents can address. Key documents include a revocable living trust, healthcare directive, durable power of attorney, and updated beneficiary designations on all financial accounts. Couples with estate plans drafted before 2012 or 2015 should review them for outdated language. Terry Law Firm, P.S. in Sumner, WA helps LGBTQ+ couples throughout Pierce and King County close these gaps with a complete, tailored estate plan.
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State Reform Movements: Florida’s Crackdown on Advertiser Lawyers
Every state shapes personal injury law a little differently, but in 2025 Florida has taken center stage. Lawmakers there have passed new rules targeting heavy advertising by personal injury lawyers, aiming to limit what many see as misleading or aggressive marketing practices. The reforms have sparked national debate and could influence how injury law evolves […]
Dog Bites in Washington: What Most Owners (and Victims) Get Wrong About the Law
Washington State holds dog owners strictly liable for bites under RCW 16.08.040, meaning no prior history of aggression is required to pursue a claim. Many owners wrongly believe the ‘one free bite’ rule applies here – it does not. Victims, on the other hand, often accept low early settlements, miss the three-year filing deadline, or fail to report the bite to animal control. This piece breaks down how strict liability works in Washington compared to neighboring states like Oregon and Idaho, what damages bite victims can recover, and the exact steps to take immediately after an incident. Whether you’re an owner navigating your legal exposure or a victim trying to understand your rights, the law is more nuanced than most people expect – and getting informed early makes a measurable difference in how your situation resolves.
I Inherited an IRA – Now What? The 10-Year Rule That’s Costing Families Thousands
Inheriting an IRA triggers federal tax rules that catch most families off guard. The 10-year rule, introduced by the SECURE Act, requires most non-spouse beneficiaries to fully withdraw inherited IRA funds within a decade – and depending on when the original owner started taking distributions, annual withdrawals may also be required along the way. Missing these deadlines carries a 25% IRS excise tax penalty. Washington State residents have a meaningful advantage: no state income tax, meaning distributions are only taxed at the federal level. Smart distribution planning – spreading withdrawals across low-income years rather than taking a lump sum – can save families thousands. This guide covers who qualifies for the 10-year rule, how traditional and Roth inherited IRAs differ, Washington-specific tax context, and the most common mistakes beneficiaries make before speaking with a legal or tax professional.
The Rise of Settlement Culture — 95% of Cases Avoid Trial Now
Most people imagine a personal injury case playing out like a courtroom drama—lawyers pacing the floor, witnesses on the stand, a jury deliberating. The reality in 2025 looks very different. Today, about 95% of personal injury cases never make it to trial. They’re resolved through settlements. At Terry Law Firm, P.S., we’ve seen this “settlement […]
Special Needs Trust vs. Pooled Trust vs. ABLE Account: Which One Actually Protects Your Child’s Benefits?
Choosing between a special needs trust, a pooled trust, and an ABLE account is one of the most consequential decisions a parent of a child with disabilities can make. Each tool protects government benefits differently, and selecting the wrong one can trigger benefit loss or costly Medicaid payback requirements. A third-party special needs trust works best for larger inheritances with no Medicaid payback concern, while a pooled trust offers professional management for families without a qualified individual trustee. ABLE accounts complement both by handling routine supplemental expenses with direct account access. Washington families benefit from the state’s lack of income tax and have access to the WA ABLE savings plan. The right structure depends on the source and size of the funds, available trustees, and the beneficiary’s ongoing needs. Combining tools – like pairing a trust with an ABLE account – is often the most effective approach.
