Insight, Analysis, and Perspective for Businesses and Individuals

When a divorcing parent asks this question, their attorney might respond with the common saying, “Children have a voice, not a choice.” In Washington state, the extent to which a child’s voice is heard in establishing a final parenting plan depends on several factors. First, in determining the residential schedule, the wishes of a child […]

When preparing your estate plan there are a number of things to consider including how to provide for your pets who are an important part of your life and ensuring that they are taken care of after your passing.  There are a couple of options for estate planning for pets that range from including a […]

Selling a business is a significant milestone. Whether you’re moving on to new ventures, retiring, or simply cashing in on your hard work, the process involves more than just finding a buyer and cashing a check. Selling your business is a complex process that requires careful planning, due diligence, and legal consideration. Here are a […]

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 […]

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 […]

Around the world there are millions of people who rely on insurance for homes and vehicles to celebrity body parts.  Nowadays, there is even insurance to cover the postponement or cancellation of one’s wedding.  Ironically, the average couple prefers to forgo the “marriage insurance” a proper prenuptial agreement can provide because of the stigma associated […]

The Washington State legislature defines a “Parenting Plan” as “a plan for parenting the child, including allocation of parenting functions, which plan is incorporated in any final decree or decree of modification in an action for dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership, declaration of invalidity, or legal separation.” Setting forth various procedures and responsibilities the […]

It can feel overwhelming going through a divorce when you have children. There are so many things to consider that it can be tough to know where to start. If you have children under age 18 and are getting divorced in Washington State, you will need a parenting plan. You can think of a parenting […]

How does the court decide issues of child custody? Washington uses “the best interests of the child” standard when it comes to decisions about child custody. Under statutory policy, the State recognizes that the best interests of a child “is ordinarily served when the existing pattern of interaction between a parent and child is altered […]

In many states, child support obligations do not extend past either the age of 18 or the child’s graduation from high school.  In Washington, however, a parent can file a petition to continue child support after the child turns age 18 and while the child is enrolled in college or vocational school.  This is known […]

Both parents have a duty to support their child regardless of marital status.  Child support is designed with the primary goal of preventing a harmful reduction in a child’s standard of living, in the best interests of children whose parents are divorced.[1]  The Washington Supreme Court has ruled that parental duties entail these minimum attributes: […]

Sometimes divorce means saying goodbye to more than just your spouse. In the State of Washington, dogs, cats, and other household animals are considered personal property. Accordingly, when it comes to pets, as part of the division of assets in a divorce case the court must decide who gets to keep our furry friends, without […]