News Author: Will Reingold
Not Married, Not a Problem: Washington State’s “Committed Intimate Relationship” Doctrine Provides a Means for Some Unmarried Couples to Have Their Property Divided Just Like in a Regular Divorce
In a divorce, the judge will have to divide your marital property and debts between the spouses. The division must be “just and equitable” under the circumstances of the relationship. But can an unmarried couples receive a just and equitable division of property after breaking up? Under the right circumstances, the answer in Washington is
Divorce in Washington – Cheating and Infidelity: Why Washington State is a No Fault Divorce State
Too often, infidelity plays a role in the demise of a marriage. The spouse who was cheated on will likely (and understandably) be angry. But can that infidelity be used against the cheating spouse during your divorce? In Washington, the answer is no. Washington is a “no-fault” State, meaning that the trial judge will not
Divorced With Children? How to Change Your Child’s Surname
When you get a divorce in Washington, you can ask the court to change your surname as part of the proceedings. While you can change it to any name your heart desires, the common course of events involves restoring one’s maiden name. Sometimes a parent may want to change the surname of their child as
In re M.A.S.C.: A Framework for Assessing Whether to Terminate Parental Rights of an “Intellectually Disabled” Parent
The decision to sever a child’s relations with his or her natural parent is not to be taken lightly. It has been said that “[a]n order terminating parental rights deprives children of their right to financial support, their right to companionship and guidance, their right of inheritance, and their right to Social Security benefits in
Easy as 1, 2, 3, 4: How to Legally Change your Name
From time to time a person may want to change their name—maybe their first name, or maybe their full legal name. Maybe it is for a serious and legitimate reason (perhaps they have married), or maybe it is for a more whimsical reason (Instagram stardom?). If you go by what you see on TV, you