Stacey L. Romberg, Attorney at Law

10/21/2026

How are Washington estate tax obligations impacted if a deceased Washington resident owned real property in another state?

We’ve blogged about the Washington estate tax, which applies to estates with at least $3 million in assets.  But what about the Washington estate tax return? Here are ten fun facts: What does the Washington estate return look like? See: https://dor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-02/85_0050e.pdf....

10/13/2026

How to avoid an ancillary probate?

Owning property in another state can force a separate probate there. Learn how a living trust or LLC avoids it and simplifies your estate.

10/06/2026

My profile article on Jeanne Marie Clavere is out! It was such an honor to write about an inspiring attorney & great friend -

Originally published in the October 2026 issue of King County Bar Association's Bar Bulletin. Reprinted with permission of the King County Bar Association. Throughout every attorney’s career, ethical dilemmas arise. When they do, how should a lawyer make the best choice possible? How should they c...

09/29/2026

The Department of the Interior has announced the launch of a new electronic probate system, designed to modernize probates for Native Americans and Alaska Natives.

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 ...

09/24/2026

Please take a peek at my latest blog post - Ten Fun Facts About the Washington Estate Tax Return!

We’ve blogged about the Washington estate tax, which applies to estates with at least $3 million in assets.  But what about the Washington estate tax return? Here are ten fun facts: What does the Washington estate return look like? See: https://dor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-02/85_0050e.pdf....

09/08/2026

It's a Happy Anniversary! Today marks my law firm's 27th business anniversary. Thanks so much to all of you for your continued support!

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...