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Washington Contracts Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Contracts for Washington on
Q: Do I have to pay lawyer fees beyond the retainer fee we agreed upon? I clearly stateted that I did not want to pay more.

We agreed on $3000 for up to 4 evictions. He ended up doing just one, but now wants $8000 more.

Bruce Alexander Minnick
Bruce Alexander Minnick
answered on Aug 1, 2019

Don't know about Washington state law but in Florida--and in every other state I am aware of--unless the written representation agreement says that the retainer fee is to be applied to the hourly rate charges--the retainer fee is not connected with the terms regarding hourly rates. In other... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Contracts and Consumer Law for Washington on
Q: Hi- I purchased a used car out of state. I signed a contract and paid in full, but have not taken delivery of the car.

I became aware of the fact that I cannot register this car in my state due to emission laws. I have repeatedly asked the dealer if it would pass in my state and received vague answers. I want to unwind the deal. Again, the dealer still has the car:(

Bruce Alexander Minnick
Bruce Alexander Minnick
answered on Jul 15, 2019

You are wasting your breath asking the dealer if the used car complies with Washington laws because the dealer is in a different state. Try asking the authorities in Washington.

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Animal / Dog Law for Washington on
Q: I bought a puppy from a breeder who said would replace it if it didn't turn out to be show quality. It's now been 3

Years and she keeps telling me the next time she has a litter she will give me one . Now she decided to import two new puppies and no longer has the one I sent back to her to replace. I spent about $2000. And I don't have a puppy or money. The deal was to replace the puppy . Always excuses... View More

Bruce Alexander Minnick
Bruce Alexander Minnick
answered on Jun 25, 2019

If you ever want to get a new puppy you will probably have to sue the breeder for breach of contract.

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law and Contracts for Washington on
Q: I have hired a construction company. Company has lack of communication which leads us to asking what are our options?

Company would tell us they’re coming, but doesn’t show up and doesn’t inform us why they didn’t show. I would call, text and email but doesn’t response till a day or so.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jun 19, 2019

Since this takes place in Washington, an attorney licensed there would really be the one to meaningfully advise you as to all available options. But your question remains open for four weeks, so as a general matter in any jurisdiction, options could include seeking a new contractor, reaching an... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Real Estate Law and Collections for Washington on
Q: ray klein, Inc has a judgement against me for over 20000.00. its been since 2003? first ive heard. did a name search

haah thanks to a wonderful lawyer on here, I found out it was on me. Same name different person

Bruce Alexander Minnick
Bruce Alexander Minnick
answered on Jun 6, 2019

Maybe it is because I am a lawyer, but I do not think it that unusual for a very large credit services corporation in business since 1970 to have "had 44 lawsuits in the last 10 years." But I certainly do find it unusual that you just found out about a judgment entered against you some 16... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law, Business Law and Contracts for Washington on
Q: Hello, I was wondering if I can opt-out of an arbitration clause in a contract if there is no option to opt-out.
Bruce Alexander Minnick
Bruce Alexander Minnick
answered on May 29, 2019

No. If you are offered a contract that includes a term requiring arbitration in case of any disputes you can either agree to arbitrate disputes--and sign it--or disagree and not sign it.

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1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Civil Litigation and Contracts for Washington on
Q: Lawyer/Business owner lied to us when we sold a business, and is trying to con us. What should we do?

Spouse and I sold a business to a lawyer and his friend. They retained us as independent contractors, and told us we could re-integrate as owners, and, have profit sharing. Three years later, neither is true after we have brought it to his attention multiple times. Now he tell us to wait longer for... View More

Bruce Alexander Minnick
Bruce Alexander Minnick
answered on May 20, 2019

I am guessing that you and your spouse did not have a lawyer to advise you when selling your small business to a lawyer and his friend; am I right? If so, then take the money you saved by not hiring a lawyer when you should have, add several more thousands of dollars to it and then go hire a lawyer... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: Moving out after our lease is up.

Hello,

Our 6-month lease ends May 31st, we notified our landlord, on May 2nd, that we would be out by the 31st (end of lease).

He claimes that we did not give him enough time to find a new tenant so we have to stay and pay for the month of June.

Is this correct?

Bruce Alexander Minnick
Bruce Alexander Minnick
answered on May 6, 2019

Your written lease controls the answer to your question. If the written lease you signed says you have to give the landlord a longer notice than the customary 30 days, then whatever the lease says answers this question.

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts for Washington on
Q: Can I sue for rat and carpenter ant infestation of a trailer I paid to store on someone's property?

I stored my trailer at a place after responding to a craigslist post offering his property for storage. After 3 years, he randomly text me and asked me to move it by the end of the week. I ended up having my sister tow it for me because I was out of town. When I got home and looked at it, you could... View More

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Jan 24, 2019

These sound like natural hazards caused by your own neglect of your property and possibly any openings/ leaks in your trailer rather than any fault of the property owner, unless he specifically agreed to maintain the cleanliness of the inside of your trailer. His text re: the condition of your... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Copyright and Products Liability for Washington on
Q: How do I go about looking into a idea I have that's related to bail bonds and something I want to possibly invent safely

I have a idea that would be something you can pay into with a bailbonds company and want to look in to making this idea work if its possible and so how would I do that without getting my idea stolen but I don't have much money and don't really have any to put into this project I think its... View More

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Jan 24, 2019

Local law libraries provide ample self-help resources re: Intellectual Property and Business law. Typically a Non Disclosure Agreement is a great tool to help prevent disclosure of confidential information re: your ideas. You might need to ultimately file for a copyright, trademark, and/or patent,... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Domestic Violence, Land Use & Zoning and Real Estate Law for Washington on
Q: My ex fiance and I signed a year lease in October he got worse with angry issues & verbal/emotional abuse. I need off.

What can I do to get off lease without penalties?

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Dec 24, 2018

While you may be held liable for your duties under the lease, if you leave the home to protect yourself from actual domestic violence, and if your ex doesn't pay the lease in full and on time, your landlord might pursue both of you in court for breach of contract and any owed monies (or your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Real Estate Law for Washington on
Q: We purchased a 57 acre farm solely for farm use. Neighbor across the street states she has an easement.

Seller provided a notarized statement regarding the entire property being farm use only. No documentation anywhere to be found prior to sale of property regarding any easements. Deed received after occupancy of home states there is indeed an easement. The date is also signed by the seller stating... View More

Brent Bowden
Brent Bowden
answered on Apr 17, 2018

Usually easements and other issues like that are discovered and disclosed as part of the title search and title insurance process. Did you get title insurance? If you did, and if the title insurance missed the easement for some reason, they may compensate you. Your insurance company may also try to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Contracts, Copyright and Internet Law for Washington on
Q: I bought some sticker logos legally on line. If I apply these logos to hats, can I then sell the logoed hats on ebay?
Barbara Berschler
Barbara Berschler
answered on Sep 2, 2017

Do you intend to apply the actual logo stickers that you bought? In copyright, there is the First Sale Doctrine that provides that if a person buys an object having copyright protected material, the buyer can do what they want with the object. For example for a book, you could give it away or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Contracts, Family Law and Education Law for Washington on
Q: is there a law that daycare centers MUST prorate for days the child misses it they are there full time?

My sons dad is trying to get out of paying for daycare unless they prorate cuz he misses 5 days. He is now 2 months behind in daycare.

Ryan Ford
Ryan Ford
answered on Aug 3, 2017

There's no law that I'm aware of. You look at the terms of the contract you signed and agreed to. If the contract says prorate, you prorate. If the contract says it's a fixed rate regardless of days missed, you pay in full. If the contract is silent, there's a decent... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Criminal Law, Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: In Seattle, WA, is marijuana a "controlled substance"?

In my lease agreement: "Tenant and/or Tenant's guests will not use, allow use, purchase, sell, or possess any controlled substance or drug paraphernalia ... [or firearms] ... on or near the premises." Since marijuana is legal in Washington state, would it still count as a... View More

Stan Glisson
Stan Glisson
answered on May 23, 2017

Legally, yes; marijuana is still a controlled substance. And paraphernalia can be just about anything used to ingest or store drugs (the definition is: all equipment, products, and materials of any kind which are used, intended for use, or designed for use in planting, propagating, cultivating,... View More

Q: Would a current Land Patent from 1865, supersede the 1969 Clark, WA, code regulation regarding land use in a flood way ?

I have 2.5 acre along the Lewis River, I have mineral rights and an updated Land Patent from the Oregon Land Grant act.

A structure was built in 1968, one year before Clark County WA code development existed. The structure was removed in October 1997, because of a flood caused by the 3 dams... View More

Walker Weitzel
Walker Weitzel
answered on Apr 25, 2017

A land patent is the highest proof of title over land. It is extremely authoritative. With that said, the laws of the jurisdiction will dictate your ability to use and develop the property. Ownership is only a piece of the puzzle. Your rights to improve the property are still subject to Oregon law.

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Civil Litigation, Collections and Legal Malpractice for Washington on
Q: Have make payment on the 1st . It falls on the weekend they're closed next Day now want to charge me interest ,legal?

They called me before the due date saying pay today , becuase were closed on the weekend and also that Monday . So if you pay Tuesday you will be charged interest . I'm essentially being forced to pay interest . Is this legal ? I feel I was entrapped into making the interest payment . They are... View More

Jeffrey Michael Haber
Jeffrey Michael Haber
answered on Jan 6, 2017

As a general matter, due dates that fall on a weekend or holiday get pushed to the next business day. However, there is not enough information to know whether this applies to your situation. Your summary does not explain the context in which the money is owed, and whether there is an agreement... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Consumer Law and Contracts for Washington on
Q: I am being spammed by a multi billion dollar company based in Seattle.

I was once associated with this company, about a year ago.

And I used to make money with them. But later on they ended my contract and refrained from paying any dues. I lost a considerable amount under breach of contract. I am/was ok with that.

I was financially very weak then and... View More

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Sep 17, 2016

Consult a commercial law attorney.

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts and Small Claims for Washington on
Q: I hired a mover to move me from OR to WA. He disappeared and took my $600 deposit. Where can I file a lawsuit?

I was talking to the guy daily right up until the night before the move. Morning of the move he ghosted on me. For two weeks he ignored many calls and texts until I threatened legal action. I also wrote an honest (bad) review of his business online and now he's pissed, and threatening to not... View More

Marjorie Simmons
Marjorie Simmons
answered on Sep 13, 2016

How vexing an experience for you that must be. You'll want to read the UTC's page on movers at: http://www.utc.wa.gov/consumers/movers/Pages/default.aspx. Movers must be licensed. Call them to make a complaint at 888-333-WUTC (9882) and see their moving publications at... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts for Washington on
Q: I was ask to clean a truck on Craigslist and he sent me the money ahead of time but when I went to get truck it was big

Then I expected and didn't have any tags on it at all and I drove the truck to walmart and it stalled there and wouldn't restart am I responsible for the truck and do I have to give him the money back

Robert Jason De Groot
Robert Jason De Groot
answered on Oct 27, 2015

You drove a very big truck without permission and probably without the proper license. You did not clean the truck yet?

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