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...
The Law Firm Where the Family is our Focus
Family Law
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...
Can You Get a Divorce by Mail in Washington State?
Considering court costs and attorneys’ fees, as well as energy spent trying to come to an agreement with a soon-to-be ex-spouse, the divorce process can often be expensive and drawn out, draining the parties financially as well as emotionally. With that grim prospect...
How a “Committed Intimate Relationship” Can Affect Property Rights Under Washington Law
In community property states such as Washington, marital assets are divided 50/50 when a marriage ends (barring clauses in any existing prenuptial agreement). But what happens in a situation where a couple is not married but has had a long history of living together?...
Does Marital Fault Affect Property Division or Child Custody?
Washington is a no-fault state, where the only ground for divorce is the irretrievable breakdown of a marriage. Traditional grounds like adultery, cruelty and desertion have been abolished. Yet the bad behavior of one or both of the spouses can affect a divorce in...
What Are the Drawbacks to a Do-It-Yourself Divorce in Washington?
Divorce is potentially one of the biggest life decisions you’ll make, and it is vital that your interests and those of your children will be protected after your marriage ends. While there are online resources that appear to offer a convenient, low-cost method of...