• How to Review a Commercial Lease Agreement

    Commercial leases are complex and have many different clauses that could financially impact you. The most effective approach is to consult with an attorney who focuses on real estate contracts. We will use several extra steps to review your commercial lease agreement, including: Review the lease terms: We look at all the terms of the lease, including the rent amount, length, use of the space, and security deposit. Evaluate the leasehold improvements: The lease should state what progress the landlord agrees to make. It should define the scope of the work and its timeline and identify who is responsible for improvements. The maintenance and repair: Details for maintenance and repair should be listed in the lease for things such as electric

  • Steps in Administering an Estate

    While the steps in administering an estate in Washington State can be complex, it's not too difficult provided you have proper legal representation to assist you throughout the process. At Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, we have many years of experience in assisting our clients with estate law and proper estate planning. Here is a broad overview of the estate administration process and why it is so important for you and your family. Why Estate Administration Is Needed While you may have drafted a will, this does not address every aspect of estate administration. Your will can be well-written and detailed and still not handle all the issues with your estate, such as the distribution of property. How property and other assets are distributed amon

  • What Is the Cost of Probate?

    How much does probate cost in Washington State? The cost varies on the size and nature of the estate. Unlike that of some other states, Washington state law does not provide for the amount of commission or fees to be based on the value of the estate. Probate law covers what happens with a deceased person’s property after death. The assets (possessions and wealth) are the decedent’s “estate.” While not required in all situations, if you are the estate’s personal representative, it would be wise to follow the probate process. If executed properly, it can be a form of liability protection. It should ensure that the estate’s property is appropriately used to pay debts, costs, and taxes with the remainder distributed to heirs. HOW MUCH DOES

  • What Is the Difference between Testate and Intestate?

    Hiring an estate planning lawyer is critical for ensuring that your wishes are respected. A death in the family brings out the worst in people, and you want to avoid infighting, jealousy, and resentment. The challenge is some people plan ahead by creating a will and leaving specific instructions for handling their estate. These situations are known as testate — when the person dies and leaves a valid will. Most wills are legal and describe how you want your assets distributed. Intestate is when a person dies and doesn’t leave a will. Confusion could arise in these situations, and the courts resolve intestate cases following state law. Knowing these terms will help you to make an informed decision when creating an estate plan. Dickson Frohli

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