As our population continues to grow, water, one of our most vital and finite natural resources, will inevitably become more and more valuable. Complicating matters, water law is state specific, often resulting in widely varying standards affecting water sources that…
Read MoreDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”). Section 4024 of the CARES Act (codified at 15 U.S.C. § 9058) established a 30-day notice period for certain eviction notices at properties subject…
Read MoreOn November 15, 2024, a federal district court in Texas invalidated a U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) rule increasing the salary threshold for “white-collar” overtime exemptions.1 The court’s order invalidates the rule nationwide effective immediately. This decision offers relief to employers…
Read MoreEmployers should review and adjust payroll systems to ensure compliance with the new state and local minimum wage and salary thresholds. Minimum Wage Washington’s Minimum Wage Starting January 1, 2025, the minimum wage in Washington State is increasing to $16.66…
Read MoreThe Office of Civil Rights (OCR) issued a final rule (the “Rule”) based on the powers in Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act. The Final Rule imposes several obligations on covered entities to facilitate the nondiscrimination section of the…
Read MoreLandlords and property owners are no strangers to common tenancy issues such as disputes over unpaid rent and following lease terms. An issue that is less common, but very serious, is what to do when a tenant has been arrested…
Read MoreMany people believe that once they have completed an estate plan, they can check this important item off their to-do list for good. However, while strong estate plans are set up to be as flexible as possible, it is worth…
Read MoreBeginning January 1, 2025, certain estates can avoid filing a Washington state estate tax return if the deceased person had a surviving spouse and a “qualifying family residence.” Return Filing Threshold; HB 1867 In general, when a Washington resident (or…
Read MoreYou’ve gone through all the hoops of litigation: 1) you sent your initial demand letter hoping to settle the matter prior to any litigation; 2) the defendant failed to respond so you started a lawsuit; 3) you conducted expensive discovery…
Read MoreThe IRS recently issued Revenue Procedure 2024-40 announcing increases to the federal estate and gift tax exemption and the gift tax annual exclusion for the 2025 tax year, among numerous adjustments to other tax provisions. The 2025 tax law changes…
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