Richard D. Seward's Answers

Does letter of intent have binding force to stop forming new joint Venture company and applying patent without my involvement?

Whether the "ageement of intent" is binding depends on the language of the contract. Any offer of royalties or to buy out your share would indicate that there is some "binding" nature to the agreement or to compensate you for your labor or "value added". You would benefit from some legal advice at this stage, but definitely keep the doors of negotiation open. LEGAL DISCLAIMER Mr. Seward is licensed to practice law in WA and is located in Seattle and Port Orchard. His response here does not...

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Awarded judgement in washington, payment unsatisfied. Garnishment question

Key is whether he is paid wages as an employee. If he is a manager/member, then he would not be an employee and there are no wages to garnish. You can still serve the company with the writ, but they may respond that he is not an employee, at which point, your efforts to collect would be thwarted. Richard Seward Law Offices of Richard D. Seward

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Should I go bankrupt while my sole proprietor business is still open? or wait till it's closed?

The key question is whether the income from your business is worth protecting. Can the bankruptcy serve to restructure your debts in a way that can convert a negative cash flow situation to a postive one. You can only determine that by consulting with a bankruptcy attorney for pre-petition planning.

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My rights to picket a retail business, what laws do i need to be aware of?

You need a lawyer to help review the documentation and determine your rights including any warranties that might have been disclaimed or possible consumer protection act claims. RDS

My lease begins on June 1st, but the previous tenant begins moving on June 1st. What can I do?

This is less legal, than practical. You need to communicate to that you take possession on the 1st and let the outgoing tenant know they need to get all of their things out by the end of the day today. Legal action is not an option from a practical standpoint, but if the situation does not resolve itself soon, then legal action may be an option. Richard D. Seward Law Offices of Richard D. Seward

How do I write a "pass to estate" clause for a lease to purchase agreement in legal terms?

I am afraid, as is so oftern the case, that there is no easy answer to your question. Depending on the facts and circumstances, it is possible that a preliminary title report would be helpful, the option or a lease memorandum may need to be recorded, and there are certain standards that the lease should meet to be valid and binding. Death of the landlord, alone, does not terminate a lease. You could benefit from legal representation in this transaction. LEGAL DISCLAIMER Mr. Seward is...

Can anyone give me any insight on non compete contracts ?

While non-competes are generally enforceable, your employer may have some problems to overcome, including violating the state wage laws which provide for double damages and attorneys fees in some cases. Your employer may no longer be in business which would be a defense that could be advanced against enforcement of the non-compete. Did he pay you separate consideration for the covenant not to compete? All of these issues can be an important consideration, but you need to make sure your...

When a LLC goes out of business, what is the owner liable for?

It would be necessary to fully understand the facts, but with that said, it is very difficult to avoid L&I obligations by hiding behind the dissolved LLC. My website contains more information that you might find helpful at www.richardseward.com.