News Category: Blog Articles
Surviving the Holidays While Going Through a Divorce
The holiday season can exacerbate certain challenges for those going through a divorce. However, if you are mindful of these challenges, you can prepare for them so that you can still find time to get much needed rest. Here are some tips for surviving the holidays this year: Plan ahead for holiday spending If you
Estate Planning – Do I Need a Revocable Living Trust?
One of the most common questions we hear from our clients is “do I need a revocable living trust?” While in some states a revocable living trust is a vital component of any estate plan due to those state’s probate laws, Washington has very friendly probate laws and a revocable living trust is generally not
Challenging Prenuptial Agreements in Washington State, at Trial and on Appeal
Most people are aware of the statistic that roughly 50% of marriages end in divorce; but did you know that only 5 – 10% of couples opt for a prenuptial agreement prior to marriage? So, what does a prenuptial agreement entail? Broadly, prenups are agreements between two individuals who plan to marry one another, the
Coming Soon to Washington State: The Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act
On January 1, 2024, the Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act (UFLAA) goes into effect in Washington State. The UFLAA is a new law that will allow many family law issues to be resolved in an out-of-court arbitration process instead of going to court. The law was passed to provide families with greater efficiency and flexibility
Top Divorce Myths in Washington State
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
Interested in an Accessory Dwelling Unit in Washington State? Be Sure to Research the Regulations for Compliance
In recent years, the interest in Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) has grown exponentially in response to housing shortages and affordability issues. The regulatory landscape for ADUs is dynamic and can be affected by changes at local, state, and/or federal levels. It is crucial for property owners and builders to be informed about the latest requirements
Financial Documents to Gather for Your Divorce
Managing personal finances is stressful, and many people are glad to let their spouse take the lead on paying bills, filing taxes, managing investments and the like. However, when preparing for divorce, you should have a good understanding of your finances, including your and your spouse’s income, as well as your assets and liabilities. One
Concerned About Collecting Against a Shifty Debtor? Prejudgment Writs of Attachment in Light of Changes in the Law and RCW 6.25.030
Collecting against an insolvent debtor (i.e., defendant) creates issues and places pressure on the creditor (i.e., plaintiff) to secure the debtor’s assets while final judgment in a lawsuit is pending. Oftentimes there is a concern that the debtor is secreting/moving assets or not maintaining assets prior to or during the pendency of the lawsuit, to
2024 Washington Updates to Minimum Wage, Exempt Employees, and Noncompetes
Important developments are on the horizon for Washington State employers in 2024. Beginning on January 1, 2024, the minimum wage in Washington will go up to $16.28 per hour, up 3.4% from 2023 and the highest statewide minimum wage in the country. For employers in Seattle, SeaTac, and Tukwila you can expect an increase in
Child Support Past High School Graduation? Postsecondary Educational Support in Washington
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