Unmarried parents in Washington face legal uncertainties that married parents avoid. Being listed on a birth certificate does not, by itself, create an enforceable parenting plan or guarantee decision-making authority or parenting time; unmarried parents generally must establish legal parentage and obtain court orders for residential schedules and decision-making. Washington law requires unmarried parents to […]
Court-ordered parenting plans establish enforceable residential schedules and decision-making authority for separated or divorced parents in Washington. When one parent refuses to follow the plan by denying parenting time, missing exchanges, or violating other court-ordered terms, the affected parent has legal remedies to enforce compliance and hold the violating parent accountable. Understanding what constitutes a […]
Commercial property decisions are some of the most important choices a business owner in Washington can make. Signing a lease, buying a building, or handling a dispute may seem like separate issues, but they all carry long-term consequences that can shape your company’s stability and growth. A lease creates financial obligations that last for years. […]
Zoning laws in Washington, which are guided by the state’s Growth Management Act (GMA), are intended to create a balance between community-wide development goals and individual property rights. However, when your plans for your property are denied, these regulations may feel less like a balance and more like a barrier. Hurdles like proving a specific […]
Dealing with environmental regulations in Washington land use planning means integrating a thorough environmental review into your project from day one. It involves identifying which local, state, and federal laws apply to your specific parcel of land before you finalize your development plans. The process is often challenging. You may face a shifting regulatory landscape, […]
We are proud to share that Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess has been recognized by The Seattle Times and Best in the PNW as the 2025 Winner for Employment & Labor Law. This honor reflects the trust our clients place in us and the dedication of our attorneys to delivering results-driven advocacy across Seattle, Tacoma, and […]
Finding the right Seattle construction lawyer begins with matching an attorney’s specific track record to your exact legal problem. Whether you are a homeowner discovering a defect, a contractor who hasn’t been paid, or a developer navigating a contract dispute, the most effective legal counsel will have a history of handling cases just like yours. […]
We are thrilled to announce that Heather Burgess, partner at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess PLLC, has been recognized by Best Lawyers® as “Lawyer of the Year” for 2026 in Seattle Land Use and Zoning Law. This prestigious honor is awarded annually to only one attorney in each practice area and metropolitan region, highlighting exceptional legal […]
What Does it Mean to Probate a Will? | Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess There are numerous steps that need to occur between the time that someone passes away and when their property can be distributed to their heirs. If the deceased person did not establish one or more trusts to hold their property, the estate […]
Protecting Your Rights Against Eminent Domain Claims | Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess If you own property, you may be unpleasantly surprised to learn that there is a possibility that the government can take the property away from you entirely. Under the United States Constitution and state law, the government has the power of eminent domain, […]
