News & Insights from Lisa Sharpe

If divorce law reflects the way people live, work, and plan their futures, then 2026 is shaping up to be a year of quieter strategy and longer-term thinking. The days of reactive decisions and splashy courtroom battles are giving way to preparation, privacy, and precision. Here’s what we’re seeing as “in,” and what’s quickly becoming […]

Have you ever wondered why some divorces make headlines while others quietly resolve behind closed doors? In Seattle, as in many major cities, not every divorce is straightforward. Some involve unique assets, intricate family dynamics, or sensitive issues that can turn an already difficult process into a truly complex legal matter. So, what exactly is […]

What Is a Postnuptial Agreement—and Do You Need One? Have you ever wondered what happens if you do not sign a prenuptial agreement before the wedding but still want to set clear financial boundaries in your marriage? Sometimes, negotiations about finances and property cannot be finalized before the big day. In California, for example, the […]

If your business has taken a hit because of tariffs or market volatility, the law may offer a path to modify your spousal support obligations—but it’s not automatic. A client runs a successful U.S.-based fashion brand that relies entirely on a specialized garment factory in Asia. When the most recent round of tariffs hit, the […]

In the world of divorce proceedings, the term “narcissist” has become a common label. However, it’s important to understand that merely labeling a spouse as a narcissist does not necessarily influence the court’s decisions or result in punitive measures. While the term may be used frequently by divorce litigants to describe challenging behavior, it does […]

Worried about a financial power grab in divorce?   A power of attorney can be like writing a blank check to your spouse.  Many married couples will sign powers of attorney as part of their estate planning documents, which provide broad authority to act on the other spouse’s behalf.  Estranged spouses have used powers of attorney […]

The lyrics “We only said goodbye with words” were famously written and sung in Back to Black by Amy Winehouse. The song was about the ending of a relationship, and the theme of goodbye. Under Washington law, “words of goodbye” are not enough in a divorce to establish separation and the end of the marital […]

Tearing up a prenuptial agreement has made national news in music mogul Dr. Dre’s divorce in California, but how would Washington State courts treat the issue?  In Los Angeles, Dr. Dre’s wife, Nicole Young, says that Dr. Dre tore up multiple copies of their prenuptial agreement and they both verbally agreed it was no longer […]

The new CARES Act has relaxed retirement account withdrawal rules for some retirement plans due to COVID-19 related reasons. These relaxed withdrawal rules apply to IRA, 401(k), and other “eligible retirement plans” as defined by the CARES Act. COVID-19 has disrupted life for all of us, with tens of millions of Americans losing jobs because […]

If you are going through a separation and/or divorce, it is important to review your estate plan as early as possible.  In Washington State, you can start your estate planning when you know that you intend to file for divorce.  You can also draft a new Will while a divorce is pending.  Even with an […]

Bringing your financial expert to mediation increases the likelihood that the parties, attorneys, and the mediator have a clear understanding of the financial aspects of your case – which is likely to lead to a better resolution. Here are the pros of bringing your financial expert to mediation. 1.  Calculating, Presenting, and Explaining the Numbers […]