Stacey L. Romberg, Attorney at Law

08/18/2026

New probate system announced for American Indian and Alaska Native family members -

Probates involving assets owned by American Indian and Alaska Native individuals are handled differently from most probate matters. These assets include certain land interests – such as Native allotments and inherited trust land – as well as funds held in trust by the federal government through ...

07/24/2026

"For blended families specifically, outdated beneficiary designations can lead to significant conflict among surviving spouses, former spouses, and children from prior relationships."

In Part I of this series, I discussed why blended families face unique estate planning challenges, particularly under Washington’s community property laws. In Part II, I explored practical strategies to help protect both a surviving spouse and children from prior relationships, such as appointing ...

07/16/2026

"Washington Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1155 (ESHB 1155), which takes effect on June 30, 2027, significantly changes the legal landscape for both noncompete agreements and nonsolicitation agreements in Washington."

In addition to June’s longer days and warmer weather, the end of June next year will mark the beginning of a new chapter for Washington non-compete agreements. Washington Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1155 (ESHB 1155), which takes effect on June 30, 2027, significantly changes the legal landscap...

07/15/2026

Should Nick Reiner be receiving distributions from a trust his parents set up on his behalf?

Previously, I wrote about how the California slayer statute might impact Nick Reiner’s ability to inherit due to pending criminal charges that he murdered his parents, Rob Reiner and Michelle Singer Reiner. Nick Reiner (“Reiner”) has pled not guilty. Now, the legal issues have become even more...

06/15/2026

Bye Bye Noncompetes!

In addition to June’s longer days and warmer weather, the end of June next year will mark the beginning of a new chapter for Washington non-compete agreements. Washington Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1155 (ESHB 1155), which takes effect on June 30, 2027, significantly changes the legal landscap...

06/09/2026

What's the best way to distribute personal property? It depends -

Recently, I wrote about “The Perils of Ignoring Personal Property”. When deciding how personal property should be distributed at death, another issue that comes into play is whether to use a Will’s Personal Property Addendum or to make a specific bequest within the Will itself. I’ve previous...

06/04/2026

06/03/2026

What in the world is going on with our Washington estate tax? Marisa Russell explains -

Stacey recently covered the latest updates to Washington’s estate tax laws Washington’s estate tax laws – and it’s fair to say things have been changing quite a bit. If it’s starting to feel like a bit of a rollercoaster, you’re not alone. To recap: On March 24, 2026, Washington Governor...

05/19/2026

What's the best way to distribute personal property upon your death? It depends . . .

Recently, I wrote about “The Perils of Ignoring Personal Property”. When deciding how personal property should be distributed at death, another issue that comes into play is whether to use a Will’s Personal Property Addendum or to make a specific bequest within the Will itself. I’ve previous...