News Category: Family Law
A Timetable for Divorce in King County, Washington
Legal proceedings tend to take longer than people expect or desire. For people facing divorce, most want the matter finalized as quickly as possible. An oft-asked question is how long it will take to be officially divorced. This depends on several factors and following are some of the key factors. First, in King County, the
STRATEGIES TO WIN YOUR DIVORCE MEDIATION
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
Parenting Evaluators and Quasi-Judicial Immunity
When custody arrangements are in dispute and the parties cannot agree on a parenting plan, the trial court may order that a “parenting evaluator” be assigned to the case. The evaluator acts as a neutral, third-party who provides a report to the court assessing the family and offering recommendations as to what is in the
Washington Divorce: What You Need to Know About Relocating with Children and Providing Notice to the Other Parent
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.”[1] Setting forth various procedures and responsibilities the
Disclosures – Sellers Have a Legal Obligation to Reveal Known Defects When Selling a Home
The process of selling a home can be a time consuming and complex process. As part of that process, owners looking to sell have the responsibility to disclose known defects in the property. If you are considering a private sale or want to ensure you have completed your due diligence, disclosures are an important part
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
Community or Separate Property? Beware of THE Mortgage Rule
What you don’t know about your mortgage could hurt you. In Washington State, we are not a “title state.” Accordingly, placing your spouse’s name on the title of a separate real estate does not automatically make it community property. However, beware; if your spouse signs off on the mortgage liability associated with your separate property
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
A Primer on Community vs. Separate Property in Washington State
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
Washington Family Law: Appealing Your Case When the Issue Concerns a Committed Intimate Relationship
I have previously blogged about Committed Intimate Relationships (“CIR”) and how courts handle them at the trial level, which you can read about here and here. In addition, CIR have also been reviewed by the Appellate and Supreme Court of Washington. Succinctly, the Supreme Court of Washington recognizes CIR as an equitable doctrine “because the