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Attorney to Attorney

Jeff Helsdon is both an attorney and a Certified Exchange Specialist®. When your client needs a 1031 exchange, you're working with someone who speaks your language.

Why This Partnership Is Different

Most QIs aren't attorneys. Jeff is — admitted to the Washington State Bar since 1987. That means when you call to talk through a complex exchange scenario involving escrow holdbacks, multiple properties, or entity structuring, you're talking to a colleague who understands the legal landscape, stays in his lane, and works collaboratively with you to protect your client.

How We Work Together

Jeff coordinates with you before, during, and after the exchange — so you and your client are always on the same page.

Pre-Closing Coordination

Jeff coordinates with you throughout the transaction — so you and your client are always aligned

Stays in His Lane

Jeff handles the exchange; you handle the legal work. Clear boundaries, no stepping on toes

Attorney-Level Rigor

CES® since 2003, practicing law since 1987, facilitating exchanges since 1990 — your client is in expert hands

When Your Client Needs a Qualified Intermediary

If your client is selling investment or business real property and plans to reinvest, a 1031 exchange can defer the entire capital gains tax. Here's where it comes up in practice.

Common Practice Areas

Real estate closings — seller mentions wanting to "roll" proceeds into another property
Estate planning — client with appreciated investment properties exploring portfolio restructuring
Divorce/family law — investment property division where one spouse wants to defer gain
Business dissolution — partnership or LLC holds real property that will be sold
Bankruptcy — debtor's investment real estate may qualify for exchange treatment in certain situations
Entity restructuring — converting ownership structures while preserving exchange eligibility
Commercial lease negotiations — tenant improvements and build-to-suit exchanges

Critical Legal Considerations

The QI must be in place before closing — this cannot be done retroactively
An attorney who has represented the taxpayer within the prior two years is disqualified from serving as QI (Treasury Reg. §1.1031(k)-1(k)(2) safe harbor rules)
Exchange cooperation clauses should be included in the PSA to protect the exchanging party
Assignment language is required — the exchangor's rights under the PSA are assigned to the QI
The 45-day identification and 180-day exchange deadlines are statutory and cannot be extended
Entity structure matters — the entity holding the property must be the exchangor. S-corps, LLCs, and partnerships can all exchange, but shareholders/members cannot independently exchange their ownership interests

How Jeff Works With Attorneys

When a matter involves multiple properties, escrow holdbacks, entity issues, or other complexities, Jeff typically works through those issues with you throughout the transaction — so both professionals are aligned and the client gets clear, consistent guidance.

Jeff handles the exchange mechanics: opening the exchange account, holding the proceeds, preparing the exchange documents, and tracking the deadlines. You handle the legal representation: the PSA, closing documents, entity restructuring, and client counseling. The lines are clear.

The result: your client gets both legal counsel and specialized exchange expertise, and you look great for having the right resource in your network.

Attorney Partner Resources

PSA & Contract Language Guide

Exchange cooperation clauses, assignment language, and how to protect the exchanging party in purchase agreements.

1031 & Estate Planning Reference

How exchanges interact with stepped-up basis, trust and entity considerations, and when to exchange vs. hold.

Client Email Templates

Ready-to-customize emails for closings, estate planning, divorce property division, and entity restructuring.

Capital Gains Calculator

Illustrate the tax savings from a 1031 exchange vs. a taxable sale — useful for client planning meetings.

Exchange Handbook

Comprehensive 1031 exchange reference — timelines, rules, identification requirements, and more.

Direct Line to Jeff

Complex scenario? Need to talk through an exchange before a client meeting? Call Jeff directly.

To set up a new exchange, call Cheri at 253.512.1031

Become an Attorney Partner

Ready to Coordinate on an Exchange?

Have a client who needs a 1031 exchange? Let's get aligned before the closing.

Start an Exchange