Family law is a broad area of legal practice, including separation, divorce, custody, paternity, support, property division and modifications. It can include many complicated issues like paternity, visitation restrictions, and restraining orders. It can involve many legal issues that cross disciplinary boundaries, such as real estate rights, pensions and retirement plans, income calculation, taxes, child custody issues, and restraining orders. It frequently is one of the most stressful events a person can go through, and involves the shattering of a lifelong dream. The articles written below are offered to give you general background information that may be helpful to you. If you need further assistance in a family law matter, please contact us by phone or email.Family Law: Domestic Violence The ending of a relationship may be one of the most stressful times in a person’s life. The actions and reactions of the parties involved may precipitate angry feelings and it is sometimes necessary to obtain Court orders to protect against physical harm. The Court will issue orders where there is […]
Domestic Violence
Criminal Defense: Domestic Violence The law defines domestic violence as criminal acts committed by a family or household member against another. A “family or household member” is defined as persons who are now or have been married or lived together, who have been or are involved in a dating relationship, and people who have a […]
Effective Court Declaration
Family Law: Drafting Effective Court Declaration Whether you are representing yourself in a family law matter, or whether you are represented by an attorney, the time will probably come when you will need to collect statements from witnesses on your behalf to be filed in court. Usually, these statements, either declarations under penalty of perjury […]
Equal vs. Equitable Division of Assets
In Washington, the legal standard for the division of property and debts is not to divide things equally. At first glace, you might think that it should be. However, the legislature has determined that is not the standard to be used by the courts. An equal division of assets could result in the forced sale […]
Equity in Family Home in Divorce
Family Law: Equity in Family Home in Divorce When a couple divorces in Washington, the equity in the family home is divided along with the other community property in a fair and equitable manner. If the parties are in agreement, the house can be sold and the equity split between them. The Court will rarely […]
Family Law Definitions
When you are considering a separation or dissolution, you hear a lot of confusing words you may not be familiar with. Below are some shorthand family law definitions for your use, not meant to be the final word on the law. Affidavit: Written testimony under oath – usually sworn to in front of a notary. […]
Gender Justice in Washington
Family Law: Study of Gender Justice in the Court of Washington In 1989, the Washington State Task Force on Gender Justice in the Courts issued its final report after a 20 month study of the extent and consequences of gender bias in the Washington State Courts, along with its recommendations. This extensive study (several hundred […]
Grandparent Visitation
Family Law: Grandparent Visitation in Washington In 1973, the Washington State legislature authorized the rights of grandparents to petition the court for visitation with their grandchildren. In 2000 the US Supreme Court in Troxel v. Granville, ruled the statute unconstitutional. After the legislature amended the statute, in 2005 the Washington State Supreme Court in the […]
Grounds for Divorce
Family Law: Grounds for Divorce in Washington What are the grounds for divorce or dissolution of marriage in Washington? Washington is a no-fault divorce state. That means that you do not have to prove any specific grounds for a divorce. The only legal basis for a dissolution of marriage (divorce) in the State of Washington […]
How to Stop Divorce in Progress
Family Law: How to Stop Divorce in Progress Occasionally, after a party has started a divorce action in Washington (Dissolution of Marriage), they change their mind, and decide they want to stop divorce proceedings. This may be for a variety of reasons, including reconciliation, guilt, change of mind, giving it another try, etc. As an […]