Probate is not a requirement in Washington. This means that probate only happens if someone requests it. However, there are certain exceptions and legitimate reasons for filing probate. If you have questions about probate assets in Washington, this article provides a...
Year: 2021
Divorce mediation, communication and the benefit to children
As divorcing parents, you want your children to experience the least amount of stress and anxiety as they move to the next stage of their lives. Consequently, many couples choose mediation over litigation. The focus on communication is one-way mediation can help...
Benefits of avoiding probate
Probate is a legal process used by courts to distribute the assets of a person after death. Some people choose to take steps to avoid the probate process during estate planning. What are the benefits of avoiding probate? How probate works Probate courts usually handle...
When can you appeal a divorce order in Washington?
If you and your husband or wife have a history of disagreeing, you may not be able to reach a divorce settlement that is acceptable to each of you. With a contested divorce, you ask a judge to weigh in on the division of marital assets, spousal support, child custody,...
‘Birdnesting’ is an alternative to traditional shared child custody
Almost every time a Tacoma couple gets divorced, the exes establish separate residences. The children then shuffle back and forth between the parents' homes. This is the usual way shared child custody works in Washington. But for many divorced co-parents, the...
Can I prevent my ex-spouse from taking the kids out of state?
When spouses get a divorce, practically every aspect of their lives change. Your ex-spouse may have decided to move to a different state for employment opportunities, to be close to family, or because of remarriage. If they have sole custody of your children, this can...
Why You Should Have a Durable Power of Attorney
What happens if an illness, accident or the effects of aging leave you unable to handle your own financial affairs or unable to tell your doctors what kind of treatments you do and don’t want? Though it may seem like a scenario that is far off in the future, it’s a...
What Happens to Your Child Custody Arrangement if You Move Across the Country?
Life goes on after your initial child custody arrangement is determined. A major life change, such as a new job opportunity, may lead you to move away from the Seattle-Tacoma area or from Washington entirely. In these situations, it is critical to understand...
Deciding Between Divorce Mediation and Collaborative Divorce
Divorcing couples often feel “sticker shock” when they find out how much it can cost to end a marriage. These days, the cost of litigating a highly contested divorce involving children and property can easily reach six figures. This is one reason why many couples seek...
How to Use a Living Trust as Part of Your Estate Planning
When people think about planning their estates, a will might be the first thing that comes to mind. However, it’s essential to be aware that there are other tools that can be used as part of a comprehensive estate plan. Sometimes known as an “inter vivos” trust, a...