In the case of Bangerter v Hat Island Community Association decided February 24, 2022, the Washington Supreme Court discussed the standards applicable to HOAs when they establish assessments for homeowners. The case involved a Hat Island (Snohomish County) HOA where...
In 2021 the Washington Legislature passed new legislation impacting the procedure by which Condominium Associations and Homeowners Associations foreclose their delinquent assessments. This was special legislation that is, by its own terms, to expire January 1, 2024. ...
Association members who own and reside in a condominium unit or single-family residence a planned community generally have homestead rights and protection from creditors under RCW 6.13.080 from certain types of creditors. HOA and COA Associations, on the other hand,...
In a case decided July 7, 2021 (Kiona Park Estates v Dehls) Division II of the Washington Court Of Appeals ruled that a 6-year statute of limitations applies to enforcement of an HOA assessment lien under RCW 64.38. This ruling applies only to HOAs and not to...
It is important that those sitting on Boards and committees that govern HOAs and COAs have a good working knowledge of legal principles applicable to decisions approving or disapproving proposed homeowner construction projects in their communities. This blog will not...
The Washington Court of Appeals (Division One) decided the case of Bangerter v. Hat Island Community Association in September 2020. In doing so the Court analyzed and made rulings relevant to all planned communities (HOAs and COAs) and their governing boards. The...
In the process of a few weeks, the coronavirus has gone from an isolated disease in a distant land to a pervasive pandemic impacting us all. Over the course of one week alone, public gatherings have been reduced time and again, and now have been eliminated altogether....
Board Members and Officers of Homeowner and Condominium Associations (HOAs and COAs) frequently do not understand their legal duties, potential liabilities and the risk factors related to their Association work. In my law practice I have found that many individuals...
When you decide to go through a divorce, you want the best possible outcome. After years of marriage, you realized that staying with your spouse would make life worse for both the two of you and your children. But the divorce process can still be hard on your kids....
Sharing parenting duties with an ex-spouse can be difficult. After all, you may disagree with how your former partner chooses to raise your kids. Still, you should be able to trust your ex to do what is right for the children. Unfortunately, that does not always...
