Law Firm & Legal Insights Blog

Empowering You with Clarity, Strategy & Legal Solutions


Stay informed with expert articles, practical tips, and firm updates from the Law Office of Theresa Nguyen, PLLC. We break down complex legal topics in real estate, estate planning, business, immigration, and more—so you can make confident decisions and protect what matters most.

Helping a Homeowner Overcome a Last-Minute Title Issue - Property Transfer Resolved Without Delaying the Sale

When Mark, a homeowner in Renton, WA, accepted an offer on his house and signed a purchase and sale agreement with a qualified buyer, he was excited to move on to his next chapter. The closing date was set, documents were in order, and both parties were prepared for a seamless real estate transaction.

However, just two weeks before closing, a critical issue surfaced: Mark’s ex-wife was still listed on the title of the property. Years earlier, the home had been awarded to Mark in their divorce, but the deed had never been formally updated. Now, with escrow pending and the title company refusing to proceed without full clarity, the sale was suddenly in jeopardy.

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Using a Quit Claim Deed for Property Transfers in Whatcom County, WA

Navigating property ownership transfers can feel complex, but with the right guidance, the process becomes seamless. For property owners in Whatcom County, WA, a Quit Claim Deed is an efficient legal tool to transfer property rights. Whether you're transferring property to a family member, adjusting ownership after a life event, or resolving title issues, a Quit Claim Deed can help you achieve your goals quickly and effectively.

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Quit Claim Deed in Washington State: What You Need to Know

Are you looking to transfer property in Washington State quickly and without the hassle of a traditional real estate sale? A quit claim deed (also spelled quitclaim deed) might be the solution. At the Law Office of Theresa Nguyen, PLLC, we assist clients in both Washington State with preparing, notarizing, and filing quitclaim deeds—remotely and efficiently.

In this guide, we’ll explain the basics of quitclaim deeds in Washington State, common use cases, how to file them properly, and why working with an experienced attorney can protect you from costly mistakes.

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Navigating Probate Real Estate: Essential Insights for Washington State and Arizona

Dealing with probate real estate can be a challenging process, especially during an already emotional time. Whether you’re managing a loved one’s estate or looking to sell or transfer property tied to probate, it’s essential to understand the legal landscape. At the Law Office of Theresa Nguyen, PLLC, we specialize in providing efficient, effective, and compassionate legal services for clients in Renton, WA, Phoenix, AZ, and throughout Washington State and Arizona.

This blog will help you navigate the complexities of probate real estate, explain how we can simplify the process for you, and invite you to schedule a consultation to get personalized advice tailored to your needs.

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What Does It Mean When a House Is in Probate?

If you’ve come across the term “house in probate”, you may wonder what it entails and how it impacts the sale or inheritance of the property. Whether you’re dealing with a loved one’s estate or considering purchasing a probate property, it’s crucial to understand the process.

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Using a Quit Claim Deed for Property Transfers in Thurston County, WA

Navigating the legal process of transferring property ownership can feel overwhelming. For those in Thurston County, WA, utilizing a Quit Claim Deed is one of the most straightforward ways to handle property transfers. Whether you're managing family arrangements, estate planning, or property disputes, a Quit Claim Deed offers a quick solution.

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Using a Quit Claim Deed for Property Transfers in Clark County, WA

Transferring property ownership is a major life event, whether you're updating a title, transferring property to a family member, or handling estate planning. One of the most effective and straightforward tools for this purpose in Clark County, WA, is a Quit Claim Deed.

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Using a Quit Claim Deed to Transfer Property Ownership in Snohomish County, WA

When it comes to transferring property ownership, using a Quit Claim Deed in Snohomish County, WA, can be one of the simplest and most efficient options. Whether you're updating property ownership after a marriage or divorce, transferring assets within your family, or correcting errors in the title, a Quit Claim Deed is a versatile and practical legal tool.

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How King County Recorder’s Fee Increase Will Impact You and Your Community

If you are planning to buy, sell, or refinance a property in King County, Washington, you may want to do it before January 1, 2024. That’s when the recording fee for most documents will increase by $100, from $203.50 to $303.50 per document1. This fee increase is mandated by state law and will affect deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and other real estate transactions.

Types of Documents affected:

  • Real estate documents, such as deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, real estate tax affidavits, etc.
  • Survey, condominium and plat maps
  • Power of attorney records
  • Boundary line adjustments
  • Lot line eliminations
  • Termination of maps
  • Amendments to declarations of condominiums
  • Why is the fee increasing?

Specific Documents:

  • Quitclaim deed
  • Warranty deed
  • Lack of probate affidavit
  • Deed of trust
  • Reconveyance
  • Satisfaction of judgment
  • Easement
  • Affidavit of correction of map
  • Declaration of condominium
  • Land corner record
  • Short plat
  • Survey

Why is the King County recording fee increasing?

The fee increase is part of House Bill 1277, which was passed by the Washington State Legislature in 2021. The bill aims to raise funds for affordable housing and homelessness prevention programs in the state. According to the bill’s sponsors, the fee increase will generate about $146 million per year for these purposes2.

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Using a Quit Claim Deed to Transfer Property Ownership in Pierce County, WA

Transferring property ownership in Pierce County, WA, doesn’t have to be a complex or time-consuming process. One of the simplest and most effective tools for property transfers is the Quit Claim Deed. Whether you're transferring ownership between family members, clarifying title ownership, or making updates after life changes like marriage or divorce, a Quit Claim Deed is a practical solution.

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Using a Quit Claim Deed for Property Transfers in Yakima County, WA

Transferring property ownership can be a seamless process when you use the right legal tools. For residents and property owners in Yakima County, WA, a Quit Claim Deed is one of the most straightforward methods to transfer property rights. Whether you’re handling family property transfers, estate planning, or title corrections, a Quit Claim Deed can save time and hassle.

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Using a Quit Claim Deed for Property Transfers in Kitsap County, WA

When it comes to transferring property ownership, understanding the legal tools at your disposal is essential. For residents of Kitsap County, WA, a Quit Claim Deed can be an efficient way to manage property transfers. Whether you’re adding a family member to the title, transferring property after marriage or divorce, or resolving estate matters, this simple document can streamline the process.

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Using a Quit Claim Deed for Property Transfers in Spokane County, WA

Transferring property ownership is a significant legal step, and one of the most efficient ways to accomplish this in Washington State is through a Quit Claim Deed. This method is particularly popular for simplifying ownership transfers among trusted parties, such as family members or business partners.

If you’re considering using a Quit Claim Deed for property in Spokane County, WA, the Law Office of Theresa Nguyen, PLLC is here to help. With offices in Renton, WA, and Phoenix, AZ, and the ability to provide remote online services, we make property transfers convenient and hassle-free for clients across Washington and Arizona. Keep reading to learn about Quit Claim Deeds and how we can assist with your real estate needs.

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5-Star Review on Google My Business by Brian Nguyen

5-Star Law Firm Review - Renton, WA - Google My Business Brian Nguyen
She is very knowledgeable in her industry. Has heard fantastic feedback from the people I have referred her to.
- Brian Nguyen (Google My Business)
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Helping an Heir Gain Legal Ownership After Her Mother’s Disappearance - Probate Solution Brings Closure After 15 Years of Uncertainty

When Cathy was just 10 years old, her mother, Debra, vanished under suspicious circumstances. Despite multiple investigations, Debra was never found, and no official declaration of death was ever made. For over 15 years, Cathy and her grandmother continued living in Debra’s home, making mortgage payments and maintaining the property—but without legal ownership, their hands were tied.

Now an adult with a husband and newborn child, Cathy was ready to move on and sell the home that had become both a haven and a painful reminder of the past. However, a critical legal issue stood in her way: the title to the home was still in Debra’s name, and Debra was still legally presumed alive.

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Investors Needed a Real Estate Attorney for a 1031 Exchange & Evictions

Peter and Linda owned a commercial building that they no longer wanted and learned that they could trade it in tax-deferred for an apartment complex using a 1031 like-kind exchange. As part of their asset protection strategy, they also wanted to place the new property into an LLC. In a 1031 exchange transaction, there are strict requirements and deadlines that need to be met in order to qualify for the tax-deferred benefits.
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5-Star Review on AVVO by Thien

5-Star Law Firm Review - Renton, WA - AVVO Thien
I hired Theresa to help my family and I do a real estate title transfer. Theresa did a great job in making sure that the process was quick and easy. It was all taken care of all in one visit. Even nicer, Theresa followed up with me a few weeks later to make sure I've received my documents ok. Now that is good customer service!!
- Thien (AVVO)
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