News Category: Family Law
Establishing a Residential Schedule in a Washington Parenting Plan
If you and your spouse are undergoing a divorce with children, there’s a good chance you are thinking about what kind of custody arrangement you will end up with. In Washington, we refer to these as “Residential Provisions” or more colloquially a “residential schedule.” They are a mandatory part of every parenting plan. Certainly, this
How to Reach an Agreement in Divorce: Practical Steps for a Less Contentious Process
Divorce is often an emotionally charged and challenging experience. Beyond the personal heartbreak that may be involved, the legal and financial aspects can feel overwhelming. One of the most difficult tasks in the divorce process is reaching an agreement on key issues such as asset division, a parenting plan (if you have minor children) and
Prenuptial vs. Postnuptial Agreements: What’s the Difference Between These Two Types of Agreements, and Which One is Right For Me?
It is becoming increasingly more common for modern couples, either before or during their marriage, to execute a written legal contract with the goal of protecting the separate interests of either partner in case of divorce, legal separation, or death. A prenuptial agreement or “prenup” is a legal contract that is signed before marriage. A
Navigating Divorce: The Importance of Financial and Appraisal Experts
Divorces are stressful and emotionally challenging. Amidst feelings of loss and uncertainty, there are practical matters that require careful attention, especially when it comes to financial assets. In addition to having a strong family law attorney on your side, you will likely need experienced financial and appraisal experts as well. Experts provide essential support during
“Nesting” During Divorce: Is Nesting Right for My Family?
“Nesting” is a custody arrangement where, rather than having children move between homes, the children stay in the family home and the parents move back and forth and alternate living there. While it may sound appealing, nesting can be challenging in practice. Here are some considerations for divorcing parents thinking about before agreeing or committing
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 is a “Defunct Marriage” in Washington?
Merriam-Webster defines “defunct” as “no longer living, existing, or functioning.” In Washington, a “defunct marriage” is a term for spouses who have given up any hope of salvaging the relationship, and yet for whatever reason have not filed for divorce.[1] This blog explains why defunct marriages are relevant for purposes of a divorce. It is
Dating Apps and Divorce
Dating apps are the most popular place to find people to date.[1] As a divorce attorney, I hear many anecdotes from clients or former clients who met their new partner on a dating app. However, there are a few considerations people getting divorced should keep in mind when deciding whether to get on the apps:
Mediation in Divorce: What to Expect
Many people going through divorce wish they could “just mediate” their case. The good news is that several counties in Washington state, including King and Snohomish County, require that spouses engage in “alternative dispute resolution” (“ADR”) at least 30 days prior to the trial date. ADR is the formal process of resolving disputes without going
Modifying a Parenting Plan in Washington: A 30,000-Foot View
You have a child with another person—either an ex-partner, ex-spouse, or someone with whom you never actually had a romantic relationship. You’ve gone through the court system and agreed upon or litigated a final parenting plan and child support order. You’ve been trying to coparent under the terms of the parenting plan for some time;