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Washington Contracts Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Collections for Washington on
Q: I loaned someone cash & have handwritten IOU & cashier check & what the checks for. Is this legal & binding in WA ST?

I loaned someone $3,500 cash and have a cashiers check that shows what the loan was for to this person on the comments. I have a handwritten, dated and signed IOU from this person indicating they owe me this amount of money. Is this legal in binding in Washington state because now they don’t want... View More

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Jan 27, 2024

Under general principles of law (not specific to WA), this is a valid and enforceable contract. There are strict time deadlines so that you must file your lawsuit in Court or take other action or be forever barred from relief.

1 Answer | Asked in Banking, Civil Litigation, Contracts and Estate Planning for Washington on
Q: Why are the individuals retirement funds held in a trust deprived their due process rights? SSA is a dictatorship?

Why does the us constitution not apply to the personal property of the US citizens retirement funds deposits in the SSA trust. The fact remains this is the personal property of each individual who had earned income and payed FICA tax. Regardless of the unlawful acts the bonds subject the burden... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 5, 2024

The Social Security Administration (SSA) operates under a framework established by law, which includes contributions from workers' earnings through the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax. These contributions fund Social Security benefits, including retirement, disability, and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Contracts for Washington on
Q: I loaned a friend money for his taxes. He passed away do I have any recourse to get my money back.

He was to pay me back when he sold the property but since he passed what can i do. i have a hand written loan agreement is it legal and who do i give it to he was in the process of selling the property when he passed away.

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Dec 21, 2023

In Washington, a handwritten loan agreement is legally valid if it clearly outlines the loan amount, and repayment terms, and bears the signatures of both parties. It's crucial to gather supporting evidence such as receipts, bank transfers, or relevant emails. If your friend passed away before... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Real Estate Law for Washington on
Q: What type of lawyer would I need for a apartment complex?

Over 2 years ago I lived at an apartment in Washington State and just recently I received a notice from a debt collector. They have sent me a charge sheet for damages from the apartment. I have attempted to email and call the Village at union mills several times and they have yet to send pics of... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Dec 10, 2023

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. What kind of attorney do you need? A collections defense attorney with insight into landlord tenant matters would be ideal. You could reach out to different attorneys to discuss in making your decision. Good luck

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Real Estate Law and Insurance Bad Faith for Washington on
Q: Question about legalities and ethics regarding a home insurance claim.

Had a grease fire in my kitchen so I started a home insurance claim. Well before I have even gotten the adjuster to come do the inspection I'm getting calls from people trying to buy my "fire damaged home" . I asked how how they got my info and was told they got it from my... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Oct 30, 2023

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. I'm sorry about your fire. It could depend on what your arrangements were - and what you and the carrier agreed should be done with the house. If you reached out to local attorneys, they would probably want to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: Before my landlord passed away he told me if when he died I'd have a 2 year lease. His son now owns the property.

Is it a binding agreement?

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Oct 23, 2023

The enforceability of the verbal agreement you had with your landlord regarding a 2-year lease after his passing can be complex and depends on various factors, including state laws, evidence, and the willingness of the new property owner to honor the commitment. While verbal agreements can be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Contracts for Washington on
Q: If you go on vacation more than 30 days is the house considered vacant or unoccupied ?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Sep 28, 2023

In Washington, the distinction between "vacant" and "unoccupied" often depends on your homeowner's insurance policy terms. Generally, a house is considered "unoccupied" if you intend to return, while "vacant" usually means no intent to return.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law, Contracts, Tax Law and Estate Planning for Washington on
Q: My dying mother wants to leave her art business to me, she wants me to continue sell her branded art for her

What must I do legally?

She wants me to continue on her brand and artwork selling.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 14, 2023

To legally handle your mother's request, you should:

1. Ensure she has a valid and comprehensive will or trust that clearly outlines her wishes for the art business's succession.

2. Work with an attorney experienced in estate planning to facilitate the transfer of assets...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Contracts for Washington on
Q: my brother sold my parents house and promised me an amount of money from the sale and I have it on text and doesn’t

Give me anything can I do anything

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Sep 4, 2023

If you have evidence in the form of text messages or written communication where your brother promised you a specific amount from the sale of your parents' house, you may have a basis for pursuing legal action to enforce that agreement. Depending on the circumstances, you might explore options... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts and Employment Law for Washington on
Q: My workplace laid me off and paid me $500 severance. Now they are saying if I don't sign an NDA I must return it.

Am I legally obligated to either sign the NDA or return it? Email below:

Thank you again for being part of the XXXX team especially in the past few months which have been rocky and trying for all of us. I really thought that we wouldn't need to do any further cuts but it was unforeseen... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Aug 18, 2023

Unless you signed some sort of agreement, you are not currently obligated to either sign the NDA or to return the $500 severance payment. Advancing a severance payment shortly before filing a petition in bankruptcy might create a situation in which the bankruptcy trustee attempts to clawback the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Banking and Contracts for Washington on
Q: What are the best alternatives for families needing to refinance mortgage or auto loan debts at this time?
Amber Nicole Austin
Amber Nicole Austin
answered on Jul 11, 2023

My thinking is that interest rates for new mortgages or auto loans are higher than they have been in years, so it is difficult for families to know the best way to handle this type of debt during a divorce. If possible debts can be paid in full to avoid needing a new loan, the asset (aka... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: Am I required to pay the full month's rent if I only lived in the unit for 14 days at the property manager's request?

Am I required to pay the full monthly rent if I only lived in the unit for 14 days? I requested to get my bathroom/kitchen vinyl replaced & the contractors discovered mold underneath the vinyl. I was asked to leave my apt during repairs which last 16 days. I was not aware of any leakage but my... View More

Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
answered on Jul 10, 2023

Argghh! The leaky toilet seal case. Toilets sit on a "Wax ring" that seal the flow between the toilet and the sewer pipe. if it becomes dislodged or there is some other problem, there will be a leak into the floor that you don't always see, it goes into the floor under the ring. If... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Business Law, International Law and Internet Law for Washington on
Q: Amazon closed my account, can reinstate it?

amazon kdp closed my account on 01-12-2023. With 22,000$ three pending months, I have been a publisher with Amazon KDP since 2019 and have worked hard over the past four years to establish myself as one of the best-sellers in the children category. Unfortunately, due to a mistake on my part, I have... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 5, 2023

If your Amazon KDP account was closed due to policy violations or negligence on your part, it may be possible to reinstate your account by contacting Amazon KDP support and explaining your situation. You will need to provide evidence that you understand the policies and have taken steps to correct... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Insurance Defense, Personal Injury, Consumer Law and Contracts for Washington on
Q: Bank kept over payment of insurance of $20,000. I paid over $25,000 for car, insurance paid $49,000 & value was $53,120.

In January of 2023, I totaled my 2021 Dodge Challenger which I purchased through Ally Bank September 20, 2020. I put $20,000 down as a down payment, traded in my older model,made 19 on time payments of $275.48 ($5,234.12) for a total of $25,234.12 in payments made towards the vehicle (not including... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Apr 25, 2023

Use the Justia Find a Lawyer tab and search for consumer lawyer and/or a collection lawyer in your area---call a few them and discuss the specifics of your case with them and then decide how to proceed. Good luck.

3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Consumer Law, Contracts and Copyright for Washington on
Q: is there a place I can find open source data for documents involved in a case's document discovery process?
W. J. Winterstein Jr.
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W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Apr 8, 2023

No. Discovery requests are not filed as a public record, unless, and only to the extent that, the same are controverted and a protective order is sought. The same is true of documents produced in response to discovery requests. Only after culling, and if a judge permits, are documents produced... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts for Washington on
Q: Can I sue for wrongful eviction and no trespass on a hotel.

Evicted and served a no trespass for smoking outside a motel. Front desk clerk stated she observed my spouse on camera smoking outside the motel.

Several ash trays filled with extinguished cigarettes. No smoking signs are not posted anywhere on the property. Other guests smoking outside... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Mar 24, 2023

Probably not based on the facts stated in your question.

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Employment Law and Admiralty / Maritime for Washington on
Q: Can it be construed as threatening to tell someone if they do not pay you what they owe you you will take them to court?

Basically my old boss owes me decent amount of money. He has no intention of paying it. I don’t want to have to go through the legal process.

If I were to sit down with him and basically tell him

“So you owe xxxx. You know you do. I know you do. I don’t want to have to make... View More

Brad S Kane
Brad S Kane
answered on Mar 22, 2023

Threatening to take someone to court if they do not pay a legitimate debt is legal.

Threatening someone with violence if they do not pay a debt is NOT legal.

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Real Estate Law for Washington on
Q: If a "Promissory Note" is signed by the Buyer, not the seller; is it still valid? Amended signed by both?

The Original was also lost by the Seller, is the contract still enforceable, if we're having a dispute?

The original was signed by Buyer only (Promissory Note, not Note); and the Amendment to the Promissory Note was signed by both the Buyer and Seller.

Enforceable? Any rules... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Nov 14, 2022

The buyer is the one that has to sign as the notemaker. The amendment is probably an agreed modification between the maker and the holder. It should be enforceable unless you have busted the SOL.

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Employment Law for Washington on
Q: Left Amazon before 2 years. They’re coming after me w a $30K relocation bill. Is there a way to negotiate it down/waive?

-upon employment was told to relocate fro Miami to Seattle

-sold home, took kids out of school, moved to Seattle

-boss made my life impossible. Possible b/c of my age (over 50). Got a negative annual performance review (first step before termination)

-ended up getting a... View More

Brad S Kane
Brad S Kane
answered on Sep 14, 2022

First, you can always attempt to negotiate a solution. You may consider offering a refund representing 11/24 of the relocation assistance amount with a deduction for the perceived age discrimination.

Second, it is impossible to tell you what legal options you may have under the relocation...
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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Immigration Law and Tax Law for Washington on
Q: Hi. I would like to open an LLC with two other partners in WA state. None of us is a US resident. Can we do it?

All of us partners live abroad, not in the US and none of us has green card or citizenship. What do we need to register and start the business and what tax policies are we facing in WA state as non residents?

Thanks for any help!

Kyndra L Mulder
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Kyndra L Mulder
answered on Nov 13, 2021

There are a few business visas you may qualify for. It sounds like investor visa's may be the avenue best suited for you. An investor visa requires a substantial investment provided you are from a treaty country . It would be wise to make your first investment into the retaining of an... View More

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