As a parent, you likely think of guardianship in terms of your children. The fact is, a guardianship action in Washington probably pertains to an older person. When a person no longer has the physical or mental capacity to handle day-to-day care, a court may step in...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...