In Washington state, divorcing parents submit a parenting plan to the court for approval. The plan should establish custody arrangements for both legal (major life decisions) and physical (where the child will live) custody. If parents can’t agree on a plan, or if the court...
Couples that live in community property states often assume that should they ever split, their property will be divided evenly between them. But it’s not as simple as that. In Washington state, courts are required to find a “just and equitable” division of property. This means...
In the movies, pregnancy is a time of excitement and anticipation, false alarms, and mad dashes to the hospital. Sometimes, it’s a time of tragedy shared by the expectant parents when the pregnancy ends in miscarriage, threatens the life of the mother, or the child...
When your relationship implodes, you are faced with decisions: If you want to repair your marriage, you can file for a legal separation while you and your partner try to patch things up. A separation can also provide a time buffer that allows you to...
Fathers often (wrongly) assume that they will be the losers when it comes to child custody and visitation in a divorce. But courts in Washington State have long abandoned the notion that they should give mothers precedence when it comes to the children in every...
Washington State requires divorcing parents to file parenting plans that address custody and visitation. Couples experiencing difficulties in their relationships—even if they intend to work them out—should have clear ideas of how they will care for their children in the event of a separation. When...
Some couples resist discussing a prenuptial agreement because they think having one means they don’t trust each other. But the reverse is true: a prenuptial agreement demonstrates that you are committed to honoring each other’s past, future, and autonomy. Before we get into four reasons...
Washington State requires divorcing parents to file a parenting plan that establishes physical and legal custody of the children as well as a visitation schedule. When the court accepts the plan, the plan becomes an enforceable court order. Unfortunately, even the most carefully worked out parenting...
The courts can appoint legal guardians to act in the best interests of people who cannot handle their affairs on their own. Typically, guardianship is established to make a competent adult responsible for decisions on behalf of a minor, a senior citizen who is intellectually...
Child support payments are a serious responsibility. Failing to pay can subject a divorced parent to severe repercussions, including being held in contempt of court, fined, and even jailed. An award of child support and the corresponding obligation to pay creates a new and essential...