Links

Law for WA
http://www.lawforwa.org 
Your gateway to Washington State Law and Government.

Application to form a Washington corporation or limited liability company
www.secstate.wa.gov/corps/registration_forms.aspx
These forms are provided by the Washington Secretary of State. I recommend that you consult with an attorney and an accountant before you form your own company. You may want a copy of the book, The Legal Guide to Starting and Running a Small Business – you will find it on the Recommended Reading List on this website.

Avvo
www.avvo.com
This is a great source of information on lawyers. This website has developed a rating system that is secret and somewhat controversial.  Some lawyers don’t like it which makes it all the more interesting.  Lawyers are allowed to provide practice information which is added to the information developed by avvo.  Try it out.

Caselaw Online
www.legalwa.org/
Look up Washington cases and even find statutes using this great site! This is run by a nonprofit organization so consider a donation if it helps you (and if you have the resources).

Change Your Name
http://www.washingtonlawhelp.org/documents/1488013400EN.pdf?stateabbrev=/WA/
Here are the forms and procedures to change your name in King County. If you are in another county, contact the District Court for your county.

Consumer Protection Tips
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/
The Federal Trade Commission has put together some great consumer tips on buying a car, dealing with identify theft, telemarketing, and other important topics. Educate yourself!

Finding a Lawyer – Lawyer Referral Services
https://www.mywsba.org/LawyerDirectory
From Washington State Access to Justice: “The lawyer referral services listed are for the general public – there are no financial eligibility requirements. The lawyers charge their regular fees for services after the initial consultation. These are not low-cost or reduced fee attorney panels. People seeking low cost or free legal services should contact CLEAR at 1-888-201-1014.” King, Pierce, Kitsap, Clark, Lewis, and Snohomish Counties are covered.

Home Inspections: American Society of Home Inspectors
www.ashi.com
This site offers information and resources for homebuyers and sellers regarding home inspections. I like the Code of Ethics and the Consumer Alerts. Be sure to have a look at the book “Seattle Homes” for Jim Stacey’s comments on home inspections. His book is listed in the Recommended Reading section.

IRS web site
www.irs.gov
Forms, publications and information. Yes, you can download the forms you need.

Look up a Corporation or Limited Liability Company
www.secstate.wa.gov/corps/search.aspx?m=undefined
Find out who the “Registered Agent” is and whether a company is active or not. You’ll also get the registered address and UBI number.

National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys
www.nnepa.com
Home of the National Network. You can use the directory to locate a member attorney.

Northwest Justice Project web site
www.nwjustice.org
This site is a tremendous self-help resource. Just one example – you will find a do-it-yourself form kit for handling a small estate outside of probate. Have a look and explore. And if you are feeling charitable, donate Five Dollars to the cause!

Real help for your legal problems – a true self help legal resource for Washington!
washingtonlawhelp.org
This site offers the best in legal self help in Washington State.

Reverse Mortgage Information from AARP
www.aarp.org/revmort/
This looks like a good starting point for reverse mortgage information. Be cautious and educate yourself before you decide to take out a reverse mortgage.

Small Claims Court Handbook and Forms
www.kcba.org/publications/smallclaims/smallclaims.aspx
This is great! The King County Bar Association has published this handbook for small claims court – good throughout Washington State.

Small Business Administration – Western Washington
sba.gov/wa/seattle
This is a great resource for a small business, whether you are just starting or need a little help with an existing business.

Small Business Development Center for Washington State
wsbdc.org
Learn how to do it right – be in business that is. You’ll find information about free counseling, seminars, and lots of great tips.

Tax Tips
www.abanet.org/tax/taxtips4u/index.html
This website contains helpful information and tips for individuals, non-profit and charitable groups, as well as small businesses.

US Supreme Court
www.supremecourt.gov/
The official site for the US Supreme Court. Have a look!

Washington Court Forms
www.courts.wa.gov/forms
This site has all kinds of court related forms such as divorce forms, temporary restraining order forms, and/or directions to self-help information and resources.

Parent Help 123
www.parenthelp123.org/
This is a great resource for people of limited means who are looking for help (not necessarily legal). Have a look!

Voting for Judges
http://www.votingforjudges.org/
A great site for Washington State Residents about Judicial Elections.

Washington State Auditor
www.sao.wa.gov
State Auditor Brian Sonntag and his staff have put together a great site.

Washington State Attorney General
www.atg.wa.gov/
This is a great consumer resource.

Washington State Bar Association
www.wsba.org
All kinds of information related to attorneys and the practice of law in Washington State.

Working Women: 9 to 5 National Association of Working Women
www.9to5.org
Learn about sexual harassment and work related issues.