Following a two-week trial in May, Whatcom County Superior Judge David Freeman rendered an oral ruling in the Hillius v. 18 Paradise, LLP on July 3, 2024. The decision comes at the end of a hard-fought legal battle that has embroiled the Homestead Farms community in Lynden, Washington for nearly 4 years. The judge’s decision addressed numerous claims and counterclaims of the various parties, including the decision to invalidate certain decision made by MJ Management, LLC the management company that provided management and maintenance services to the homeowners at Homestead. At the time of his oral ruling, the judge recognized that there would likely be continued litigation following his decision. Despite the wide-ranging issues addressed in the ruling, there remain several issues unresolved by the decision, including the formation of an HOA, which the Plaintiffs had sought. In particular, the decision to invalidate the increase in joint maintenance fees that were to fund years of deferred maintenance will likely have a significant impact on the Homestead community. MJ Management is currently evaluating its options with respect to an appeal of the decision. A hearing is scheduled for Friday, July 25, 2024 at 2:30 PM for entry of final orders in connection with the trial, as well as entry of judgment on attorneys fees that are to be paid by the Plaintiffs and their counsel.

Readers can find additional information, updates, and insights at the Homestead case website.

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