Washington Attorney — Estate Planning, Real Estate, Business Law

Experienced legal counsel for Washington residents, technology workers, real estate investors, and out-of-state clients with Washington interests. The Law Offices of Michael J. Holmes, PC provides Washington clients with comprehensive representation in estate planning, real estate, business law, and. Michael J. Holmes is licensed in Washington, California, Idaho, Texas, and North Carolina — a combination that uniquely serves Washington clients with the cross-border issues common in the Pacific Northwest.

Washington office: (206) 279-4780

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How We Serve Washington Clients

Washington combines a robust technology and aerospace economy with a uniquely active regulatory environment. The state imposes one of the few state-level estate taxes in the country (a major estate planning consideration), one of the most detailed land-use frameworks (the Growth Management Act), and some of the most employee-protective labor and wage laws in the country. At the same time, Washington has no state income tax, attracting both individuals and businesses from higher-tax jurisdictions.

Our four core practice areas in Washington are summarized below.

Washington Estate Planning

Revocable living trusts, pour-over wills (Washington recognizes attested wills under RCW Title 11), durable powers of attorney, health care directives, special needs trusts, gun trusts, and probate and trust administration. Washington imposes a state estate tax with a significantly lower exemption than the federal threshold — one of the most important estate planning considerations in the Pacific Northwest. Higher-net-worth Washington clients often benefit from credit shelter trusts, qualified terminable interest property (QTIP) trusts, and other techniques to minimize state estate tax exposure.

Washington Real Estate

Commercial and residential real estate transactions, purchase agreements, commercial leases, easements, land-use planning under the Washington Growth Management Act (RCW 36.70A), real estate development, lender representation, and 1031 tax-deferred exchanges. Washington is an escrow state (rather than an attorney-closing state) for routine residential transactions, but attorney involvement is essential for commercial transactions, disputed residential matters, and any deal involving title defects, complex financing, or development entitlements.

Washington Business Law

LLC formation under RCW 25.15, corporation formation under RCW Title 23B, operating and shareholder agreements, S-Corporation tax elections, partnership and joint venture agreements, contracts, non-compete agreements (subject to Washington’s 2020 statutory income thresholds and notice requirements under RCW 49.62), acquisitions, and franchise representation. Washington has specific employee-protective rules around wage transparency, paid family leave, and independent contractor classification that affect every employment-related document.

Washington

Dissolution of marriage (Washington is a true no-fault state under RCW Title 26), property division (Washington is a community property state but courts have broad discretion to divide both community and separate property in a manner that is “just and equitable” under RCW 26.09.080), maintenance under RCW 26.09.090, parenting plans, child support, prenuptial agreements, and modifications. Washington requires a 90-day waiting period from filing.

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Why Multi-State Counsel Matters in Washington

Washington’s position in the Pacific Northwest creates constant cross-border issues. We frequently work with:

• Washington technology workers with compensation packages (RSUs, options, deferred compensation) that need careful integration into both estate plans and divorce settlements.
• Washington residents relocating to Idaho, Texas, or North Carolina to escape the state estate tax, who need restructured estate plans.
• California residents buying Washington vacation or rental property who need title and entity advice.
• Washington families with adult children across the country who need succession planning that works across state lines.
• Washington businesses expanding into Idaho, Texas, or California operations.

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Washington Legal Landscape — Quick Reference

• No state income tax on wages.
• State estate tax applies above a significantly lower threshold than the federal exemption — major estate planning consideration.
• Community property state, but courts can divide both community and separate property “just and equitably” on divorce.
• True no-fault divorce — irretrievable breakdown is the only ground; 90-day waiting period.
• Growth Management Act (GMA) imposes detailed land-use planning across all 39 counties.
• Non-competes restricted under RCW 49.62 — income thresholds, advance disclosure, and notice requirements.
• Paid family leave, wage transparency, and ABC-style independent contractor analysis govern employment matters.
• NFA firearms generally legal for properly licensed individuals and trusts.

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Schedule a Washington Consultation

Whether you are an existing Washington resident, a technology worker with complex compensation, a real estate investor, or an out-of-state client with Washington interests, we can help. Initial consultations are confidential and obligation-free.

Washington: (206) 279-4780

Our other offices:
Idaho (208) 696-2772 · Southern California (714) 464-5188 · Northern California (707) 207-8005 · Texas (469) 535-6260 · North Carolina (919) 363-9945

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Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Washington estate tax thresholds and other rules referenced on this page change from time to time. No attorney-client relationship is formed by visiting this page. You should consult with a qualified attorney regarding your particular circumstances before making any legal decisions.