Welcome to the Campbell Law Firm blog page, Anacortes estate planning attorney Justin Campbell shares insights on Washington law, estate planning, business law, probate, litigation, and protecting your rights. Explore our blogs for practical tips, legal updates, and answers to common questions.


 

A quaint, small wooden house is peacefully sitting on the edge of a beautiful lake, which is surrounded by tall trees and lush greenery, creating a serene and picturesque natural landscape

Passing Down the “Island Cabin”: Structural Vehicles for Co-Owning Family Real Estate

For many Pacific Northwest families, a vacation home on Whidbey Island or a getaway spot in the San Juans represents a significant family legacy. Naturally, property owners frequently desire to preserve these assets for the next generation. However,… Read More
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wooden blocks spelling

Why “Online Template” Operating Agreements Threaten Your LLC’s Shield – and Your Wallet

You’ve filed your Certificate of Formation with the Washington Secretary of State, paid your filing fees, and downloaded a quick, $50 “one-size-fits-all” Operating Agreement from a generic online form builder. Job done, right? You’re… Read More
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Home tax deduction

The Washington State Estate Tax: What You Need to Know and How We Can Help

When most people think about estate taxes, they assume it is a financial challenge reserved only for the ultra-wealthy. However, here in Washington State, our local tax laws tell us a very different story. Due to a relatively low filing threshold com… Read More
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Angry dissatisfied couple arguing meeting lawyer or manager having legal fight complaints on bad client service, annoyed mad customers claiming change in contract terms demanding fraud compensation

What is a “No-Contest” Clause in a Will?

The physical and mental decline that often comes with old age can lead to misunderstandings, disagreements, and hurt feelings among family members. In extreme cases, a family member who is dissatisfied with what they received under a person’s last… Read More
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Adults with kids sitting in the living room and talking to the Insurance Agent.

How to Have Difficult Estate Planning Conversations with Your Family

No matter what your age or stage in life is, it is important to have an estate plan that is written down and properly executed. While many people are reluctant to discuss their estate plan with their family and loved ones, having that conversation is… Read More
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High Cost of Prescription Drugs: Concept of legislation prescription bottles with gavel

Common Types of Drug Charges in Washington State

Successfully defending against Washington State drug charges requires an in-depth understanding of the Violation of Uniform Controlled Substances Act, which identifies a broad range of drug-related offenses. These types of drug charges cover various… Read More
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Judge sentencing in a car accident trial due to excessive alcohol consumption. Elevated view.

2026 Deferred Prosecution and Other DUI/Physical Control Law Changes

On January 1, 2026, Washington State’s deferred prosecution laws went through some major changes. The most significant impact of these is the eligibility for some individuals to pursue a 2nd deferred prosecution. This post only discusses changes in… Read More
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CDL Commercial Driver

Commercial Driver’s Licenses with a DUI in Washington State

A DUI in Washington state is a serious offense, and the penalties for a conviction can be significant. For individuals who have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or are considering obtaining one, the consequences can be even more severe. If you a… Read More
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Police handcuffs in US dollars. Visual concept for a criminal defense blog discussing illegal search and seizure.

Illegal Search and Seizure: Know Your 4th Amendment Rights

The Fourth Amendment to the US Constitution protects people against “unreasonable searches and seizures” and requires that police have “probable cause” to obtain a warrant. Police do not always adhere to these rules, however, and prosecutors… Read More
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Paper cut out of a family. Silhouetted against the sun. Visual concept for a criminal defense blog discussing a civil protection order in Washington State.

Civil Protection Orders

In Washington State, a person can file a civil case asking a judge to issue a court order protecting them from another person whose behavior is abusive, threatening, exploitative, or seriously alarming. Civil protection orders are intended to keep th… Read More
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