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Author: Sean Powers

Office Hours – Estate Planning (11/29/2023)

In this edition of KCLL’s Office Hours, we’re joined by local attorneys Evelyn Emanuel and April Benson to answer your questions about estate planning.

Office Hours is a recurring webcast where a panel of experts answer questions that attendees submit before the event.  You can see a list of upcoming events HERE.

Questions Addressed in this Hour:

  • 02:20 – Introductions
  • 05:03 – What IS estate planning?
  • 09:26 – Does a “durable power of attorney” include the right to make financial decisions?
  • 09:47 – What are some of the other popular estate planning instruments?
  • 12:36 – What is a living will?
  • 16:43 – What is a pour-over will?
  • 19:42 – What is a trust?
  • 21:19 – What is the difference between a trust and a life estate?
  • 28:38 – Can I change a revocable trust to an irrevocable trust?
  • 31:38 – How do you properly transfer property into a trust?
  • 36:51 – When is a special needs trust necessary? Are there alternatives?
  • 42:43 – What is the best option to leave assets to a disabled adult child while avoiding probate?
  • 43:47 – How can I pass life insurance proceeds into a minor’s trust?
  • 50:14 – How much of inheritance is tax-exempt?
  • 55:26 – What happens to a jointly held bank account when one of them dies?
  • 56:36 – How can I find a good lawyer to help me with my trust?

Office Hours – Landlord/Tenant Laws (11/1/2023)

In this episode, our guest panelists answer your questions about landlord tenant laws.

Questions Addressed in this Hour:

  • 03:32 – What laws govern rent increases?
  • 04:42 – How do criminal convictions affect one’s ability to rent?
  • 07:44 – Is there any access to free lawyers?
  • 09:42 – What is an “order of limited jurisdiction?”
  • 12:28 – What type of notice is required if a landlord needs to enter your unit?
  • 13:44 – What if you don’t want your landlord to go into your unit?
  • 15:30 – Can landlords profit from billing for utilities?
  • 18:08 – Is a business license required for landlords?
  • 19:52 – What happens if a tenant does not respond to a 14-day “pay rent or vacate” notice?
  • 21:18 – Can a tenant be evicted because the owner wants to sell the property?
  • 24:02 – Is the ERPP (Eviction Resolution Pilot Program) still in effect?
  • 24:42 – Is there a cap on what can be charged for late fees?
  • 26:47 – How are non-payment evictions handled for roommates who share the rent?
  • 29:09 – Would a parent need to formally evict an adult offspring to get them out of the parent’s house?
  • 31:00 – Can a homeowner disconnect utilities (water, wi-fi, etc.) for an unwanted houseguest?
  • 35:47 – Is there an easier way to get squatters off of my property (e.g., “trespass letter”)?
  • 38:15 – Can there be penalties for a tenant that impedes a property tour?
  • 35:53 – What constitutes “ordinary use” in a tenancy?
  • 40:32 – Can a tenant’s invited guest be held liable for damage after to property after it has been vacated?
  • 42:29 – How long does a tenant have to dispute the return of a damage deposit?
  • 43:21 – Can one use current laws to sue for a tenancy dispute originating under older laws?
  • 45:05 – Can a tenant change the locks without providing keys to the landlord?
  • 48:26 – Under “just cause” eviction laws, would I have to offer a lease to a squatter if they qualify?
  • 50:05 – What is a “notice of abandonment?”
  • 51:32 – Which statutes govern tenant the screening process?
  • 53:21 – If a tenant reports harassment by other tenants, can the landlord threaten to raise the rent?
  • 55:04 – What kinds of resources are there that help tenants with an eviction on their record?
  • 57:04 – When can a landlord treat an empty unit/property as “abandoned?”
  • 57:57 – Are there any implications for renting a property to a family member at below-market rates?

WTEW… in Small Claims Court (Part 5 – Judgments)

You’ve won your Small Claims Court case – now what?  A King County District Court Judge explains.

Video Highlights

  • 00:19 – What are judgments?
  • 00:46 – If I win, will I get money at the end of the trial?
  • 01:25 – How long do judgments last?
  • 01:39 – Do judgments accrue interest?
  • 02:13 – How do I go about collecting on a judgment?
  • 03:12 – Can I transfer a judgment to someone else for collection?

WTEW… in Small Claims Court (Part 4 – During Trial)

In Part 4 (of 5) on the Small Claims experience, a District Court Judge explains what you can expect during the trial.

Video Highlights

  • 00:24 – When does a small claims case go to trial?
  • 01:02 – What actually happens during the trial?
  • 02:30 – Who has the burden to convince the judge?
  • 05:54 – What is the evidence standard for Small Claims Court?
  • 03:31 – What happens if the plaintiff wins?
  • 04:06 – What happens if the defendant wins?
  • 04:46 – What can be done if someone disagrees with decision?

WTEW… in Small Claims Court (Part 3 – Mediation)

In Part 3 (of 5) on Small Claims Court, a District Court Judge explains what you can expect from mediation.

Video Highlights

  • 00:28 – Why do parties have to go through mediation?
  • 00:49 – What are some of the advantages of going through mediation?
  • 01:52 – What is mediation like?
  • 02:21 – What are the possible outcomes of mediation?
  • 03:05 – How long does mediation take?
  • 03:37 – What are some additional advantages of mediation?

 

WTEW… in Small Claims Court (Part 2 – “Service of Process”)

This video addresses service of process in a Small Claims action – and what is necessary to initiate your suit.

Video Highlights

  • 00:17 – Introduction
  • 00:44 – What does “service of process” mean?
  • 01:16 – Who can serve the defendant?  
  • 01:35 – What are the different ways a person can be served?
  • 02:34 – Can a corporation be served?
  • 03:14 – Does the defendant have to arrange to be served?
  • 03:34 – What statutes should I review?
  • 04:12 – What is a “process server?”
  • 04:51 – What else should I know about service of process?

WTEW… in Small Claims Court (Part 1 – “Right Court, Right Claim”)

This series of five videos will introduce you to some key concepts that you should be aware of before you file your action in King County Small Claims Court.

Video Highlights

  • 00:30 – What IS the purpose of Small Claims Court?
  • 01:07 – What types of claims are allowed in Small Claims Court?
  • 02:08 – What types of claims are NOT allowed?
  • 03:54 – How much money can be claimed?
  • 04:33 – Might it be advisable to lower your damages claim so that you can use Small Claims Court?
  • 05:15 – When should I consult with an attorney?
  • 06:44 – How do you know if you’re suing the right person?
  • 07:22 – What are some examples of improper claims?
  • 09:45 – So what’s is the bottom line with “right court, right claim?”

Free Access: Hornbooks and Nutshell Series Now Available as eBooks

Need to quickly brush up on an area of law that you’re not familiar with?  Well you’re in luck!  Both Hornbooks (remember those from law school?) and the famous “Nutshell” series are available remotely as eBooks from the Washington State Law Library.  And all you have to do to check them out is register a free account!

You can find more information about the titles and create a free account in the Washington State Law Library’s catalog here.