Smythe & Jones, PLLC

05/11/2023

Mediation is effective. You, and/or your attorney can work strategically to come to a creative resolution to complex litigation matters. Whether it is construction, employment, discrimination, wrongful termination or personal injury, our mediators will work to come to a solution that each party can accept. You are then free to move on with your life and leave the litigation behind you. https://www.facebook.com/100088105162356/videos/1352727882173871

Mediation is often required in most law cases: Most courts require mediation or alternative dispute resolution prior to trial. Mediation can be scheduled with a Judge not assigned to your case, a volunteer mediation service, or through private mediators. Smythe & Jones offers the flexibility and commitment to resolving your case prior to trial as private mediators.

Mediation saves time. It can take months of hearings to resolve the numerous issues in any court case, and it can take months to get a trial date. Typically, your trial date is assigned approximately one (1) year from the date of filing your initial action. Trial dates can get continued and this can only prolong the resolution. Mediation can be completed on your timeline and your schedule. It can be done early to save months of time in litigation or it can be done after the information is exchanged so that the facts and issues in the case have been exposed. https://www.facebook.com/100088105162356/videos/1352727882173871

05/11/2023

Mediation saves heartache. You get to work with your spouse using the mediator to come to a peaceful solution to end your marital relationship on your terms. Mediation allows you to honor your marriage and show your respect for the other person through negotiation and compromise. For divorcing parents, mediation can set the foundation for a successful co-parenting relationship. https://www.smythejones.com/mediation-services/

Mediation is a process that puts your court case in your hands, instead of in the hands of a judge. It allows you to sit down with an experienced neutral who will help keep delicate discussions from erupting into arguments and will guide you to a resolution through negotiation and compromise. Mediation saves money. Because both parties usually share the cost of mediation and the cost of mediation is substantially less than the cost of litigation (going in front of a judge).

At Smythe & Jones, our mediators are experts in the complex process of negotiation and settlement of disputes. These skilled facilitators orchestrate a mediation like an efficient business meeting, create a dynamic, structured, and respectful climate, and see that all parties – as well as their counsel and/or their insurers – have the opportunity to express themselves as needed to generate a full understanding of all aspects of the conflict. (425) 436-5777

Mediation Services Family Law Mediation Attorney represented or Pro Se; Parenting Plans; Child Support Disputes; Civil contract disputes; Small Claims; General Family law DISPUTES Full Day & Half Day Book Now Civil LAW MEDIATION Attorney represented or Pro Se; Business Disputes; Civil contract dispu...

05/11/2023

In the construction industry, there are various common issues that often need to be addressed and mediated to ensure successful project completion. https://www.smythejones.com/construction/

Delays: Construction projects can face delays due to factors such as adverse weather conditions, material shortages, labor issues, design changes, or unforeseen site conditions. Mediation may be required to resolve disputes related to delays, determine responsibility, and develop strategies to mitigate the impact on project timelines.

Cost overruns: Construction projects often encounter cost overruns due to inaccurate initial estimates, changes in scope, design modifications, inflation, or unforeseen conditions. Mediation can help in resolving conflicts between project stakeholders, negotiating revised budgets, and finding cost-saving alternatives.

Contractual disputes: Disagreements can arise between project owners, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers concerning contract terms, payment disputes, change orders, or breach of contract. Mediation can assist in interpreting contract clauses, resolving conflicts, and reaching mutually acceptable resolutions.

Smythe & Jones PLLC is well versed in representing both homeowners and contractors in all aspects of construction disputes. However, time is essential in these matters whether it is to attach to the bond, recording a real estate lien, or having a materialman's lien released from your home, get us on board promptly for the best results. (425) 436-5777

05/01/2023

Unfortunately, it is a common occurrence that homeowners and contractors do not enter into formal written agreements and oftentimes both rely on a bid or an invoice. https://www.smythejones.com/construction/

Although commonplace, this has led to many lawsuits by either the homeowner or contractor over misunderstandings that could have been resolved had the parties written out their expectations at the outset. This includes: what specific construction tasks are to be performed; written change orders for anything beyond the original scope of the contract; including an attorney's fees clause; specifying the dates and timing of payment; and providing a total project not to exceed cost. For homeowners, if you are in a position where a contractor took your deposit and never performed the work or performed the work poorly, you not only have an action against the contractor but also against their bond, if available.

Construction Unfortunately, it is a common occurrence that homeowners and contractors do not enter into formal written agreements and oftentimes both rely on a bid or an invoice. Although commonplace, this has led to many lawsuits by either the homeowner or contractor over misunderstandings that cou...

04/17/2023

Mrs. Enright (Jordan Jones) obtained her Juris Doctorate from California Western School of Law in 2016 in San Diego, California where she graduated with an area of concentration in Health Law and Policy, with Honors, with a focus in Medical Malpractice Litigation. During her time at California Western School of Law she was inducted into the Pro Bono Honors Society after completing over 100 hours of pro bono legal service.

Jordan Enright joined Smythe & Jones at the outset when Smythe & Jones opened in January 2020. Mrs. Enright is the eldest daughter of partner Marianne Jones. The two have worked together at Jones Law Group PLLC prior to the inception of Smythe & Jones PLLC. Jordan passed both the California and Washington State Bar exams shortly after graduating. Mrs. Enright currently practices in both Washington State and California.

04/17/2023

Smythe & Jones PLLC is well versed in representing both homeowners and contractors in all aspects of construction disputes. However, time is essential in these matters whether it is to attach to the bond, recording a real estate lien, or having a materialman's lien released from your home, get us on board promptly for the best results. https://www.smythejones.com/construction/

04/14/2023

Washington law DOES REQUIRE any last Will of a deceased Washington Resident to be filed promptly following death. Regardless of whether or not the deceased person's estate is probated, the Will should be filed within 40 Days of the person's death in the county they resided in at the time of death. https://www.smythejones.com/probate-administration/

04/14/2023

At Smythe & Jones, our mediators are experts in the complex process of negotiation and settlement of disputes. https://www.smythejones.com/
These skilled facilitators orchestrate a mediation like an efficient business meeting, create a dynamic, structured, and respectful climate, and see that all parties – as well as their counsel and/or their insurers – have the opportunity to express themselves as needed to generate a full understanding of all aspects of the conflict.

We strive to help the parties focus on their fundamental needs and priorities and seek out and encourage common ground in order to arrive at a satisfactory settlement These effective mediators will also go beyond simple facilitation of the process, to explore the parties' positions, raise questions regarding these positions, conduct reality testing, and focus the participants on the potential strengths and weaknesses of their case, in a non-threatening and confidential manner. Office: (425) 436-5777

04/13/2023

Our valued mediators give honest feedback and have the ability to cut through posturing and argumentativeness to help parties get down to the business of resolution. https://www.smythejones.com/ With their aid parties will be able to develop an agenda, identify key interests, and create a realistic action plan which can be committed to and implemented.

We strive to help the parties focus on their fundamental needs and priorities and seek out and encourage common ground in order to arrive at a satisfactory settlement These effective mediators will also go beyond simple facilitation of the process, to explore the parties' positions, raise questions regarding these positions, conduct reality testing, and focus the participants on the potential strengths and weaknesses of their case, in a non-threatening and confidential manner.

https://www.facebook.com/100088105162356/videos/1352727882173871

At Smythe & Jones, our mediators are experts in the complex process of negotiation and settlement of legal disputes. Mediation is often required in most law cases: Most courts require mediation or alternative dispute resolution prior to trial. Mediation can be scheduled with a Judge not assigned to....

04/13/2023

Probate is a legal process that takes place after someone dies. It can occur whether there is a Will (testate) or if there is no Will (intestate). https://www.smythejones.com/probate-administration/

It usually includes:
- Proving in court that the Will is valid (usually a routine matter);
- Identifying and inventorying the deceased person's property (both real and personal);
- Having the property appraised (valued);Paying the deceased person's debts and taxes;
- Distributing the remaining property as the will (or state law, if there's no will) directs.

Typically, probate involves filing of paperwork and court appearances by the Personal Representative or Administrator of the Estate with the help of lawyers. The lawyer's fees and court fees are paid from Estate property, along with other Estate debts prior to distributing the remaining property to the heirs.

We can provide you with tools to guide you through probate, such as to-do lists and a system for organizing important documents. We draft the documents that must be filed at court, and go before the court commissioner on your behalf. We explain your responsibilities, help you communicate with beneficiaries of the estate, guide you through the creditor process, and help you put together an inventory. In addition, we will offer unlimited guidance on any issue that arises in the process of closing the estate. (425) 436-5777

04/13/2023

In Washington, the terms divorce and dissolution of marriage are synonymous. The distinction between the terms is the Washington State Legislature's choice to use "dissolution of marriage" as the legal term for divorce. https://www.smythejones.com/family-law-attorney-seattle/

In order to obtain a divorce decree in Washington, you are required to meet the following conditions:
- You must be legally married or have achieved common-law marriage status in a state that recognizes common-law marriage. Washington does not recognize common-law marriage.
- Either you or your spouse must be a Washington resident and plan to remain living in Washington. If you or your spouse is a member of the military, and will be stationed in Washington for a minimum of 90 days after the Petition for Dissolution is filed and served, the residency requirement is satisfied.
- At least one spouse believes the marriage is irretrievably broken.
- As the party filing for divorce, you must properly serve a Summons and Petition for Dissolution upon your spouse.
- Subsequent to filing and serving the Petition for Dissolution, at least 90 days must pass.

At Smythe & Jones, PLLC, our attorneys represent your interest in divorce and all family law matters. Our attorneys, along with the assistance of our skilled staff, will work with you in preparing all necessary documents and presenting your needs to the court in order to achieve the best possible outcome. Through decades of practicing family law, Marianne K. Jones, Stacey L. Smythe and Jordan Enright has provided legal advice and assistance to hundreds of people in divorce proceedings.

If you are facing dissolution of your marriage and need a Seattle divorce attorney, please contact Smythe & Jones, PLLC at (425) 436-5777 to discuss your divorce or marriage dissolution.

04/13/2023

After a Judgment is obtained in court. The next step is collecting payment on that Judgment. A few ways of doing so is through garnishment. Garnishments can be done through a bank account or through an employer of the judgment debtor. https://www.smythejones.com/garnishment-employment-and-bank/

For a bank garnishment, we would serve the necessary paperwork on the bank where we believe the judgment debtor banks. At the time of service, the bank then holds the funds in the account up to the amount of the Judgment. We then obtain a court order authorizing the bank to release those funds to us (to you) to pay the Judgment.
In an employment garnishment, similar steps are taken however the garnishment paperwork is served upon the employer of the judgment debtor and is answered twice during a 60-day period capturing up to 25% of the judgment debtors' earnings to satisfy the judgment. The garnishment process may be repeated until the judgment is paid in full.