News & Insights from Christina Smith

So, you have decided to pursue a divorce and you’ve chosen an attorney who you want to meet with. What do you do next? Your first consultation with a divorce attorney usually involves an explanation of your legal options, an overview of the divorce process, and discussion of any specific concerns you may have. The […]

Divorce is a difficult and emotional process that can be overwhelming for many of us. For celebrities, their divorces are often played out in the public eye, making it even more challenging. As a divorce attorney, I have considered some of the many high-profile divorces from 2023 and the lessons that can be learned from […]

As a divorce attorney, I’ve noticed that there are a few widely held false beliefs regarding divorce laws in Washington state. Here are the most common and potentially the most dangerous for those headed for a divorce: Washington is a 50/50 State This is false! Washington is a “community property” state but this does not […]

Is arbitration the right forum for your divorce or family law dispute? Arbitration can be an alternative to using a court to resolve your family law matter. It is a private proceeding that will likely take place in an office or online and tends to be less formal than court proceedings. The arbitrator is often […]

Going through a divorce can be incredibly stressful.  Save yourself additional upset by doing your best to avoid: Listening to the Wrong People.  Make sure to do your research and choose the right attorney; then be sure to listen to and follow what that attorney says.  It can be hard to ignore the personal divorce […]

In Washington State, couples going through divorce are required to attend a mediation in an attempt to settle the case before trial, unless excused for reasons such as domestic violence. As a divorce attorney, I have prepared hundreds of clients for mediation.  I have also served as a mediator in many family law cases.  Below […]

As a divorce lawyer in Washington State, it is common for new clients to come in to our first meeting with the understanding that Washington is a community property state and believing that this means all property and debts are split right down the middle, 50/50.  While this is often a good place to start […]

A divorce can be a very public affair. In Washington State, divorce filings are generally publicly available documents. For many divorcing spouses with a high net worth, maintaining financial privacy is a primary concern. For other divorcing spouses, it may be the “dirty laundry” that they want to keep private. This is especially true if […]

Occasionally, a spouse preparing to go through divorce may attempt to hide assets in order to avoid disclosing and sharing those assets with their soon-to-be ex.  If you’re worried your spouse may be hiding assets, here are six places you should be sure to check: Bogus Debt Payoffs Did your mother-in-law gift you the down […]

You may either agree, or be court-ordered, to undergo a Parenting Evaluation if child custody is disputed in your family law case.  A Parenting Evaluation involves a neutral evaluator who will conduct an investigation and make recommendations to the court as to what is in the children’s best interests.  The evaluator will meet with the […]

Other states have alimony, but in Washington State, we call spousal support or alimony “spousal maintenance.”  Here is a quick overview of spousal maintenance in Washington State so that you can be prepared for that first meeting with your divorce attorney. What is it? Spousal maintenance is a monthly payment by one spouse to another […]

We have all read the headlines that divorce rates are increasing worldwide and those rates are not expected to be dropping soon.  The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed many of us to our limits.  People are stressed out and locked down, which has put pressure on relationships that may have already been holding on by a […]