Over the last few decades, the parameters of the word “family” have evolved to keep up with the progress we’ve made in society. Blended families are now much more common and same-sex marriage is now legal across the nation. An unsettled question until recently has...
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Family Law
Domestic Violence Protection Orders: Who Can Obtain One?
It is an unfortunate reality that many people live in danger of violence from a family member, spouse or other person close to them. One thing a victim can do to seek relief is to obtain a domestic violence protection order. In Washington State, a DVPO can be obtained...
Tips for Co-Parenting During the COVID-19 Crisis
Even in the best of times, it may be hard for divorced or separated people to juggle their responsibilities under a court-ordered co-parenting plan. The coronavirus pandemic has amplified the challenge, adding even more stress to parents’ and children’s lives and...
Legal Requirements for Washington Parents Who Relocate with Children
If you are a parent in Washington State with custody of a child and wish to relocate with that child, you must give notice to anyone else — usually the other parent — who has joint custody, equal parenting time or visitation rights under an existing court order. The...
How a Prenuptial Agreement Can Protect You
Nobody likes to think about divorce before entering into a marriage, but an increasing number of couples do just that, with a prenuptial agreement. This agreement can be used to set terms for the disposition of property, debts and other responsibilities when a...
What Estate Planning Steps Should You Take During a Divorce?
If you are married and have a will as part of your estate plan, chances are you named your spouse as the beneficiary to receive most of your assets after you pass away. If you do not have a will, Washington law provides that half of your marital assets will...
What Are State-Registered Domestic Partnerships in Washington?
Registering as domestic partners in Washington allows qualifying unmarried couples to hold the legal rights that married couples enjoy under state (but not federal) law. Originally created for same-sex couples, who could not legally marry in Washington before 2012,...
What Is the Role of a Parenting Evaluator in a Washington Divorce?
Divorce can be very difficult, especially when there are children involved. If there is a dispute over custody, the court has a duty to ensure that the child is placed in a safe environment with a qualified parent. In these situations, a parenting evaluator plays an...
How Does Washington’s Community Property Law Apply to Pension Benefits?
Divorce often involves the distribution of assets to each spouse. While some states divide assets fairly (equitable distribution states), a few are community property states, such as Washington, where all marital property is divided 50/50. One of the biggest personal...
How is an Unemployed Parent Charged With Child Support?
After a divorce, the ex-spouses continue to have a duty to provide for their children financially, but child support payments are usually made by the non-custodial parent. The amount of money owed for child support is determined by the custodial parent’s child-care...