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Knowledge Is Power
How to Protect Your Business’s Trade Secrets in Oregon
What Is Oregon Trade Secret Law? (And Why It’s Overlooked)Trade secrets are among the most valuable forms of intellectual property for modern businesses. But despite their value and range of applicability they remain one of the most mysterious parts of intellectual...
How to Reduce Oregon Estate Tax for Married Individuals
Credit Shelter Trusts as a Planning Strategy in OregonMany people relocating to Oregon, as well as many long-term residents, are surprised to learn that Oregon has one of the most aggressive estate tax systems in the country. Not only is Oregon one of a relatively...
4 Ways to Organize Your Family Law Case Like a Pro
Practice Mise en Place in Your Family Law Case Mise en place is a French culinary term that means “everything in its place.” If you’ve ever watched a cooking show, you’ve probably seen pre-portioned ingredients in dishes already prepared on the counter so that the...
How to Navigate Difficult Questions Children Ask During a Divorce or Separation
Divorce is one of the most significant and impactful transitions a family can experience. Children, regardless of age, likely do not fully understand why the divorce is happening, what that means for their lives and future, or how to express their feelings. Even when...
Honored to Be Named a Finalist in Best of Clark County 2026 — Thank You!
The official results for the Best of Clark County Awards are in, and while we didn't take home the top spot, we are deeply humbled and honored to be officially recognized as a finalist for the “Best Law Firm” category! Navigate Law Group is incredibly deserving of the...
Serving a Biological Parent in a Washington State Adoption Matter
Providing proper notice to a biological parent is one of the most important procedural requirements in a Washington adoption proceeding involving a minor child. Service errors can create significant delays and may expose an adoption decree to future challenges....
What Does Washington’s New Probate Law (HB 2445) Mean for Your Family?
As of June 11, 2026, Washington probate practitioners will need to adjust to sweeping changes in the administration of intestate estates. House Bill 2445, known as the “Ending Probate for Profit” legislation, was enacted in response to highly publicized cases in which...
Types of Minor Guardianships in Washington
This is part two in our series on Minor Guardianships with the focus on the types of Minor Guardianships in Washington State. Part one focused on what is (and what isn’t) a Minor Guardianship, and alternatives to Minor Guardianships. In this section we focus on the...
Minor Guardianship in Washington: What It Is and the Alternatives
Consider these scenarios with me: CPS contacted you about your grandchild’s welfare and you’re worried that they may end up in foster care. Your child’s best friend shared with you that their parent(s) are abusing drugs, neglecting their medical needs, and that...
Understanding Protection Orders in Clark County, Washington
What Is a Protection Order?A protection order (sometimes called a restraining order) is a civil court order that legally prevents another person from contacting or harming you. The purpose is to protect someone from abuse, harassment, stalking, sexual assault, or...
When Supervised Visitation Is Necessary in Washington Custody Cases
What Washington Parents Need to Know About Professionally Supervised Parenting SchedulesIf you are involved in a custody case in Washington State where concerns about domestic violence, substance abuse, or mental health have been raised, the court may order supervised...
WA Noncompete Ban (HB 1155) and the “Nonsolicitation” Problem
Washington Non-Compete Rule Update OverviewAfter the failure of the federal government to protect workers against unfair restrictive covenants, Washington has taken matters into its own hands. With the passage of HB 1155, the state is outlawing noncompete agreements...
Can Federal Student Loans Be Discharged in Bankruptcy?
Federal Student Loan Discharge, Chapter 7, and Chapter 13For many borrowers, federal student loan debt feels like a permanent financial burden. Unlike credit cards or medical bills, student loans have long been considered difficult, if not impossible, to discharge in...
How Oregon Trademark Law Protects Your Business from Infringement
Oregon Trademark Law Principles, Registration, and Enforcement Overview Trademark law is a form of intellectual property law that plays an important role in protecting brand identity, promoting fair competition, and helping consumers identify the correct source of...
How SB 5129 Changes the Rules for Washington HOAs and Condos
HOAs, Condos, and Bears, Oh My! Recent Changes to HOA and Condominium Laws in Washington State“I WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOU LAWYERS ARE DOING ABOUT THE BEARS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD!!!” I had to hold the phone away from my ear, as the middle-aged woman on the other end of the...
What to Do If Your Child Is Taken Out of Washington State Without Permission
Your current or ex-partner/co-parent took your child to another city, state, or country without your knowledge or permission, now what?It’s every parent’s worst nightmare: your child has gone missing. According to Child Find of America, approximately 2,300 children go...
Reduce Washington Estate Tax with Estate Tax Credit Shelter Trusts
If you are domiciled in Washington, you should understand how Washington’s estate tax may affect your estate. Although the state recently increased its exemption amount, many people still have estates that exceed the taxable threshold. For those estates, Washington’s...
Why Effective Co-Parent Communication Matters in Washington Courts
The Legal Reality of Co-Parenting in WashingtonAcross Washington family law cases—whether divorce, parentage actions, or post-decree modifications—a recurring issue is not a lack of love for the child, but difficulty maintaining effective and constructive...
How to Avoid Probate in Washington: Myths, Mistakes, and Strategies
At least once a month, I hear some version of the same concern from a client or potential client, “I need a Will, because I don’t want the state to get my stuff.” This fear, which is often paired with a desire to avoid probate entirely, is one of the most common...
Considerations for Using Artificial Intelligence Tools in Your Divorce Case
Is an AI Tool Enough for Your Divorce/Custody Research? Getting divorced or pursuing child custody can be a complex and emotionally overwhelming process. People are often uncertain about what to expect and have many questions at the outset of their case. Naturally,...