ABOUT RICHARD

Richard represents clients in all aspects of trust and estate administration and litigation, vulnerable adult proceedings, administrative appeals, and committed intimate relationship litigation. He is frequently appointed by courts throughout Washington State to serve as guardian ad litem, guardian, probate administrator, and special master in guardianship, probate, and trust matters.

Richard joined Aiken, St. Louis & Siljeg, P.S. in 2007 after nearly seven years with Hertog & Coster, PLLC where his practice was limited exclusively to fiduciary law. Before Hertog & Coster, PLLC, Richard served as the first Guardianship and Probate Facilitator for the King County Superior Court. While in law school, Richard served as an extern to the Honorable David Armstrong of the Washington State Court of Appeals, Division II, and for the Ex Parte and Probate Department of the King County Superior Court. Richard also serves as a Pro Tempore Judge and Court Commissioner for the Snohomish County Superior Court and as Pro Tempore Court Commissioner for the King County Superior Court, Ex Parte and Probate Department. 

EDUCATION

• Seattle University School of Law, J.D., Law Review, Note and Comment Editor, 2000
• Boston University, M.A., Graduate Scholarship, Sociology 1991
• Northwestern University, B.A., Dean’s List, Sociology 1989

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

• Washington State Bar Association, Active Member, WSBA No. 31101
  • Elder Law Section, Member, Former Co-Chair Communications
  • Real Property, Probate & Trust Section, Member
• United States District Court, Western District of Washington
• Guardianship Guardian Ad Litem Registry, King and Snohomish Counties (2000 – 2022) 
• American Bar Association, Member (1997 – Present)
• Section of Litigation, Member
• King County Bar Association, Member (1999 – Present)
  • Guardianship and Elder Law Section, Member (1999-Present), Seattle Vice Chair (2014); Programs Co-Chair (2008), Past-Chair (2007, 2012), Chair (2006), Chair- Elect (2005, 2011), Treasurer (2004, 2010), Secretary (2015-present)
• Snohomish County Bar Association, Member (2010 – Present)
• Pierce County Bar Association, Member (January 2011 – Present)
  • Guardianship Committee, Member
• American Sociological Association (1992 – 1998)
• Society for the Study of Social Problems (1992 – 1998)
• Gerontological Society of America (1992 – 1995)
  • Representative, Research, Education, and Practice Committee, Gerontological Society of America, November 1992 – November 1994.
  • Risk Taking Task Force Liaison, Research, Education, and Practice Committee, Gerontological Society of America, November 1993 – November 1994.
• Eastern Sociological Society (1989 – 1991)
  • Reader, Eastern Sociological Society, 1990.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

• Committee Member, WINGS (Working Interdisciplinary Networks of Guardianship Stakeholders), Standards of Practice Committee and Public Guardianship Committee, 2015 – present.
• Co-Chair, Washington State Advisory Committee for Review of Title 11 Guardianship GAL Training Program, Current.
• President, Board of Directors, Park Place Parent’s Association, a not-for-profit corporation operating two federal early childhood development centers in downtown Seattle, Washington, 2001 – 2004.
• Northwestern University Alumni Admissions Council for Washington, Director, 2001 – 2007; Member 1993 – 2009.
• Guardianship/Probate Review Calendar Reviewer, KING COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT EX PARTE AND PROBATE DEPARTMENT, July 1999 – 2007.
• Content Editor, Washington Lawyer Practice Manual, Young Lawyers Division, King County Bar Association, 2002 – 2009.
• The Practice of Law Board, Elder Law Committee, Member, December 2006 – June 2007.

PUBLICATIONS

• Furman, Richard L. 1999. “Genetic Test Results and the Duty to Disclose: Can Medical Researchers Control Liability?” Seattle University Law Review. Volume 23, Issue 2: 392-429.
• Editor/Contributor. 2000. Washington State Guardian Manual, King County Bar Association.
• Editor/Contributor. 2000. Model Statewide Guardianship Forms, King County Bar Association.
• Buchwald, Dedra, Richard Furman, Suzanne Ashton, Mathew Dudden, Spero Manson. 2001. “Preventive Care of Older Urban American Indians and Alaska Natives in Primary Care.” Journal of General Internal Medicine. Volume 16, Issue 4: 257-261.
• Buchwald, Dedra, John V. Sheffield, Richard Furman, Suzanne Hartman, Mathew Dudden, and Spero Manson. 2000. “Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccination Among Native American Elders in a Primary Care Practice.” Archives of Internal Medicine. Volume 16, Issue 10: 1443-8.
• Buchwald, Dedra, Sue Tomita, Suzanne Hartman, Richard Furman, Spero Manson. 2000. “Physical Abuse of Urban Native Americans.” Journal of General Internal Medicine. Volume 15, Issue 8: 562-564.

PUBLISHED ABSTRACTS

• Furman, Richard L. 1994. “Levin’s ‘Age Differences in Predictors of Mystical Experience’: a Replication and Implementation of Some Theoretical and Analytical Refinements.” The Gerontologist. Volume 34, Special Issue 1: 160.
• Furman, Richard L. 1994. “The Structural-Functional Foundations of Merton’s Theory of Reference Group Behavior as Applied to the Process of Organizational and Anticipatory Socialization in the Diaconate Ministry.” Sociological Abstracts. Volume 42, Issue 7: Suppl. 175: 436.
• Furman, Richard L., Mark A. Latcovich, Kyle Kercher, Boaz Kahana, Eva Kahana, and Elaine Borawski-Clark. 1993. “Extrinsic Religiosity as a Generalized Resistance Resource of an Older Person’s Sense of Coherence.” The Gerontologist. Volume 33, Special Issue 1: 151.

PRESENTATIONS

• Furman, Richard L and Shannon Marsh. “Protection Orders, Evictions/Ejectment, and CPGBC Complaints.” 2023 Washington Association of Professional Guardians Spring Virtual Conference, May 16, 2023, Online.
• Furman, Richard L. and Eric E. Brunstrom.  “Placement and Emergency Guardians and Conservators Under the Uniform Guardianship Act,” Uniform Guardianship Act is Effective January 1, 2022:  Are You Ready?, sponsored by the Washington State Bar Association, September 24, 2020, Seattle, Washington.
• Furman, Richard L., the Honorable Eric Watness (ret.), Eric E. Brunstrom, Katrina Durkin, Mark C. Vohr.  “Uniform Guardianship Act,” Inter-County Guardianship Guardian ad Litem Training, sponsored by the King County Bar Association Guardianship and Elder Law Section, June 4, 2020, Seattle, Washington.
• Furman, Richard L. and the Honorable Henry H. Judson, III.  “Legal Dilemma:  Investigation in the Age of Infectious Diseases,” Inter-County Guardianship Guardian ad Litem Training, sponsored by the King County Bar Association Guardianship and Elder Law Section, June 4, 2020, Seattle, Washington.
• Furman, Richard L., Eric Brunstrom, and Keith Thomson.  “Ethical Challenges in the Relationship Between the Guardian and the Court:  A Panel Discussion,” 2019 Washington Association of Professional Guardians Spring Conference, May 6, 2019, SeaTac, Washington
• Furman, Richard L., “Special Needs Trusts,” Tulalip Tribe Inclusive Advocacy Committee Meeting, September 13, 2018, Tulalip, Washington.
• Furman, Richard L., “Guardianship,” King County Superior Court Ex Parte Department Pro-Tempore Commissioner Training, September 12, 2018, Seattle, Washington.
• Furman, Richard L. and Eric Brunstrom.  “Vulnerable Adult Orders of Protection – An Effective Too for the Right Job,” 2018 Advanced Guardianship Issues, sponsored by the King County Bar Association, Guardianship and Elder Law Section, June 27, 2018, Seattle, Washington.
• Furman, Richard L. “Helping the Kids: Some Legal Considerations,” Swedish Cancer Institute Continuing Education Training, May 18, 2018, Seattle, Washington.
• Furman, Richard L., KatharineD. Hanson, Michelle G. Farris, Keith Thompson, and Christopher J. Fast. “Locating a Certified Professional Guardian,” Inter-County Guardianship Guardian ad Litem Training, sponsored by the King County Bar Association Guardianship and Elder Law Section, April 7, 2017, Seattle, Washington.
• Furman, Richard L. “Legislative Update,” 2017 Advanced Guardianship Issues, sponsored by the King County Bar Association, Guardianship, and Elder Law Section, March 31, 2017, Seattle, Washington.
• Furman, Richard L. “The Ethical Elder Law Practitioner,” Navigating Elder Law Systems: Advising Clients in a Complex World, sponsored by the Washington State Bar Association, Elder Law Section, March 4, 2016, Seattle, Washington.
• Furman, Richard L., Carla Calogero, Christopher Henderson, John Jardine, Robert Nettleton, and Angela Carlson-Whitley. “WINGS (Working Interdisciplinary Networks of Guardianship Stakeholders): A Panel Discussion,” King County Bar Association Guardianship and Elder Law Section Meeting, January 21, 2016, Seattle, Washington.
• Furman, Richard L., and Michael Longyear. “Ethical Conflicts – Identifying and Resolving Ethical Dilemmas in Guardianship,” Washington Association of Professional Guardians Fall Conference, October 12, 2015, Sea-Tac, Washington.
• Furman, Richard L., Barbara Byram, and Eric Brunstrom. “Representing Alleged Incapacitated Persons and Incapacitated Persons,” King County Bar Association Guardianship and Elder Law Section Meeting, January 15, 2015, Seattle, Washington.
• Furman, Richard L., and Stacey L. Romberg. “TEDRA: A Panacea for Curing Trust & Estate Ailments,” 57th Annual Estate Planning Seminar, sponsored by the Estate Planning Council of Seattle and the Washington State Bar Association, November 2, 2012, Seattle, Washington.
• Furman, Richard L., the Honorable Richard Eadie, and the Honorable Carlos Velategui. “Offsite Guardianship Hearings: What to Know Before You Go,” King County Bar Association Guardianship and Elder Law Section Meeting, August 16, 2012, Seattle, Washington.
• Furman, Richard L., and Jean Gompf. “Hypothetical Scenarios,” Inter-County Guardianship Guardian ad Litem Training, sponsored by the King County Bar Association Guardianship and Elder Law Section, April 20, 2012, Seattle, Washington
• Furman, Richard L., Jean Gompf, and the Honorable Eric Watness. “Panel Discussion: GAL Duties and Limitations,” King County Bar Association Guardianship and Elder Law Section Meeting, March 15, 2012, Seattle, Washington.
• Furman, Richard L., Elizabeth Turner, Karl Flaccus, Henry Judson, Keith Thomson. “Standards, Ethics and GAL Best Practices “Red Flags for GALs,” Inter-County Guardianship Guardian ad Litem Training, sponsored by the King County Bar Association Guardianship and Elder Law Section, May 6, 2011, Seattle, Washington.
• Furman, Richard L., and Michelle Graunke. “Best Practices When Representing Professional Guardians and Trustees,” Elder Law Best Practices Seminar sponsored by the Washington State Bar Association Elder Law Section, January 21, 2011, Seattle, Washington.
• Furman, Richard L., John H. Hertog, Michael Olver. “In Re Guardianship of Matthews: A Panel Discussion of the Opinion and Its Implications,” King County Bar Association Guardianship and Elder Law Section Meeting, June 16, 2010, Seattle, Washington.
• Furman, Richard L. “Snohomish County Title 11 GAL Registry,” Inter-County Guardianship Guardian ad Litem Training, sponsored by the King County Bar Association Guardianship and Elder Law Section, May 14, 2010, Seattle, Washington.
• Furman, Richard L., and Corey Denevan. “Strategies for Busting Myths About Guardianship Services in Medicaid Cases,” Washington Association of Professional Guardians Continuing Education Seminar, November 10, 2009, Sea-Tac, Washington.
• Furman, Richard L. “Ex Parte Tips, Final Hearing, Mediation, and Trial,” Inter-County Guardianship Guardian ad Litem Training, sponsored by the King County Bar Association Guardianship and Elder Law Section, April 23, 2009, Seattle, Washington.
• Furman, Richard L. “Ex Parte Tips, Final Hearing, Mediation, and Trial,” Inter-County Guardianship Guardian ad Litem Training, sponsored by the King County Bar Association Guardianship and Elder Law Section, May 15, 2008, Seattle, Washington.
• Furman, Richard L., “Ademption and the Administration of a Guardianship: Cause for Concern?” WAPG Spring Training, May 9, 2008, Seattle, Washington.
• Furman, Richard L., “Notice Issues – Who are Interested Parties?,” King County Bar Association Guardianship and Elder Law Section Meeting, February 21, 2008, Seattle, Washington.
• Furman, Richard L., “Assisting in the Probate Process,” Washington Estate Planning and Probate Practice for Paralegals, sponsored by Half Moon LLC, December 13, 2007, Seattle, Washington.
• Furman, Richard L., “The Elder Law Legal Technician,” Access to Justice Conference, Valuing Leadership: Ensuring Justice for All, Practice of Law Board Hearings on Legal Technician Rule, June 1, 2007, Wenatchee, Washington.
• Furman, Richard L., “Traps for the Unwary, Ademption and IP’s Testamentary Scheme,” Advanced Guardianship Issues for Attorneys, sponsored by the King County Bar Association, Guardianship and Elder Law Section, March 16, 2007, Seattle, Washington.
• Furman, Richard L., “The Administrative Nuts and Bolts of the Review Calendars,” King County Superior Court 2006 Mandatory Volunteer Reviewer Training, April 21, 2006, Seattle, Washington.
• Furman, Richard L., “Post Establishment Issues In Guardianships: Practice Tips to Avoid Pitfalls,” Invited presentation to the Wenatchee Estate Planning Council, January 19, 2006, Wenatchee, Washington.
• Furman, Richard L., “Probate,” King County Superior Court Guardianship and Probate Facilitator Training, October 19, 2005, Kent, Washington.
• Furman, Richard L., Corey T. Denevan, John H. Hertog, “Trust Litigation and Dispute Issues,” Wells Fargo Bank N.A., July 28, 2005, Seattle, Washington.
• Furman, Richard L. “Case Law and Legislative Update,” King County Bar Association Guardianship and Elder Law Section Meeting, June 16, 2005, Seattle, Washington.
• Furman, Richard L. and Julie Schisel “Challenges to Gal: Appointment, Fees, Access to Records,” Inter-County Guardianship Guardian ad Litem Training, sponsored by the King County Bar Association Guardianship and Elder Law Section, May 13, 2005, Seattle, Washington.
• Furman, Richard “Strategies for Busting Myths About Guardianship Services in Medicaid Cases,” sponsored by the King County Bar Association Guardianship and Elder Law Section, October 21, 2004, Kent, Washington.
• Furman, Richard L. “Elder Law Case Law and Policy Update,” 2004 Annual Elder Law Section Meeting and Seminar, sponsored by the Washington State Bar Association Elder Law Section, September 10, 2004, SeaTac, Washington.
• Furman, Richard L. and Jennifer Boharski “Guardianship and Elder Law Section Brownbag: Protecting Vulnerable Adults,” sponsored by the King County Bar Association Guardianship and Elder Law Section, July 21, 2004, Seattle, Washington.
• Furman, Richard L. Chair for Lunchtime Paralegal Seminar Series, sponsored by the King County Bar Association Guardianship and Elder Law Section, Fall/Winter 2002-2003, Seattle, Washington.
• Furman, Richard L., and Professor Laurel Oates “Paralegal Writing, Drafting & Local Rule 7,” Lunchtime Paralegal Seminar Series, sponsored by the King County Bar Association Guardianship and Elder Law Section, February 6, 2003, Seattle, Washington.
• Furman, Richard L. “The Guardianship and Probate Review Calendars.” Guardianship Training for Paralegals, sponsored by the King County Bar Association Guardianship and Elder Law Section, January 19, 2001, Seattle, Washington.
• Furman, Richard L. “Guardianship in King County, Washington: Resources, Reporting, Renewing.” Invited presentation at Fircrest School, August 4, 2000, Shoreline, Washington.
• Furman, Richard L. “How to Submit Periodic Guardianship Reports in King County, Washington.” Invited presentation to Friends of Rainier, Inc. at the Rainier School, May 21, 2000, Buckley, Washington.
• Furman, Richard L. “Genetic Test Results and the Duty to Disclose: Can Medical Researchers Control Liability?” Invited presentation at the Cardiovascular Health Research Unit, University of Washington, Department of General Internal Medicine, March, 2000, Seattle, Washington.
• Furman, Richard L. “Levin’s Age Differences in Predictors of Mystical Experience”: a Replication and Implementation of Some Theoretical and Analytical Refinements.” Paper presented at the 47th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Gerontological Society of America, November, 1994, Atlanta, Georgia.
• Furman, Richard L. “The Structural-Functional Foundations of Merton’s Theory of Reference Group Behavior as Applied to the Process of Organizational and Anticipatory Socialization in the Diaconate Ministry.” Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Sociological Association, Los Angeles, August,
• Furman, Richard L., Mark A. Latcovich, Kyle Kercher, Boaz Kahana, Eva Kahana, and Elaine Borawski-Clark. “Extrinsic Religiosity as a Generalized Resistance Resource of an Older Person’s Sense of Coherence.” Paper presented at the 46th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Gerontological Society of America, New Orleans, November, 1993