News Author: Lisa Sharpe
Can You Lower Spousal Support During a Business Downturn? What Washington Law Says
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
Handling Narcissistic Traits in Divorce Mediations (Strategies for Successful Settlement)
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
What to Know if You’re Getting Divorced and Your Spouse Holds Power of Attorney
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
Did You Really Say Goodbye? What is the Date of Separation and What is the Legal Impact of that Date in Divorce?
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
If You Rip up a Signed Prenuptial Agreement in Washington State, Does it Mean that Your Prenuptial Agreement is Legally Null and Void?
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
Can Relaxed Retirement Plan Withdrawal Rules Help Settle Your Divorce?
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
Divorcing During COVID-19? It is more important than ever to get an estate plan in place.
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
4 Reasons to Bring Your Financial Expert to Mediation
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