Robert Charles Pittman's Answers

Protecting parents assets

You will want to seek out an attorney who practices in the area of Medicaid (not Medicare) law. This is a very specialized area of practice, so beware! Ask the attorney how much of his or her practice is devoted to Medicaid work. For some general information, take a look at “Questions and Answers on Medicaid for Nursing Home Residents,” a very helpful publication you will find at www.washingtonlawhelp.org (look under the Aging/Elder Law tab).

1 lawyer agreed with this answer

5 people marked this answer as helpful

For Sale by Owner

A good real estate lawyer could truly be your best friend when buying a FSBO — don’t leave home without one! So many things can go wrong in what is likely to the most expensive purchase in your life. Since a Realtor is not involved, you need to have a lawyer assist you in preparing the initial purchase and sale agreement. This is the document that controls the entire transaction, so don't go see the lawyer after you sign the initial agreement - go before you sign anything. The lawyer can...

1 lawyer agreed with this answer

3 people marked this answer as helpful

Credit reporting regarding bankruptcy

Any account included in a bankruptcy remains on your personal credit report for 7 years from the date the bankruptcy was filed. The bankruptcy itself remains for 10 years from the filing date if it was a Chapter 7. Be very careful of anyone who offers credit repair. Have a look at a book called "Credit Repair" by Robin Leonard (NOLO Press). You will find the 8th edition at www.nolo.com.

2 lawyers agreed with this answer

Used car donations

Take great care! Here is what the IRS has to say about the donation of a vehicle to a charity (from IRS TAX TIP 2007-58): "If you donated a car or other vehicle to a qualified charitable organization in 2006 and intend to claim a deduction you should review the special rules that apply to vehicle donations. You can deduct contributions to a charity only if you itemize deductions on Schedule A of Form 1040. Generally, the amount you may deduct for a vehicle contribution depends upon what...

2 lawyers agreed with this answer

Corporate tax reporting

Start with Washington State Department of Labor and Industries for help: 360-902-5315 or e-mail conw235@lni.wa.gov

1 lawyer agreed with this answer

1 person marked this answer as helpful

Warranty

Contact the Washington State Attorney General's office for help and consider filing a complaint: http://www.atg.wa.gov/FileAComplaint.aspx

1 lawyer agreed with this answer

1 person marked this answer as helpful

Insurance company stalling

Try contacting the Washington State Insurance Commissioner's office for help. You will find contact information at http://www.insurance.wa.gov/oic/contact.asp. The price is right - free and they may be able to light a fire under the company for you.

1 lawyer agreed with this answer

1 person marked this answer as helpful

No heat

Under the Washington Landlord Tenant Act (see RCW 59.18.070), a Landlord must commence repairs in a timely fashion. In the case of hot or cold water, heat, or electricity, or a repair of something that is imminently hazardous to life, the landlord must commence repairs within 24 hours of written notice. You must give written notice to the landlord that includes identification of the premises, the name of the owner, and the nature of the defective condition (be sure to keep a copy). If the...

1 lawyer agreed with this answer

1 person marked this answer as helpful

Refrigerator door

Have you looked at the written warranty that came with the refrigerator? It seems totally unreasonable to have to buy an entire door just to get the ice-maker to work. I would contact the Washington Attorney General's office to see if they will help to at least encourage the company to chip in a little. They are not always able to help, but I would start there: http://www.atg.wa.gov/FileAComplaint.aspx. In the meantime, make friends with the neighbors!

1 lawyer agreed with this answer

1 person marked this answer as helpful

Residential property

Talk to your neighbor. She may not even realize that her tree is a pain. If that doesn't work, the general rule in Washington is that you can trim tree branches up to your property line (neighboring tree branches on your side of the property line) PROVIDED that you do not damage or kill the tree — be very careful and consider having an arborist take a look and you should have a professional do the trimming. In the typical situation, when a neighbor’s tree falls on your property, your (not...

1 lawyer agreed with this answer

1 person marked this answer as helpful