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.When one party is either self employed or has an ownership interest in a business, there are two issues that typically arise in a divorce case. The first is the parties actual income for child support and spousal maintenance purposes, and the second is the value of the business interest for property division purposes. Frequently […]
Legal Separation
Family Law: Legal Separation in Washington A married party may initiate an action for legal separation in lieu of divorce in Washington. A legal separation allows the parties to remain married but ends the economic community, allowing each to retain his or her earnings and be solely responsible for his or her debts incurred after […]
Lincoln County Divorce
In the past, Lincoln County was the preferred county in Washington to file for divorces prepared by paralegals. The reason was because paralegals could not appear in court, and Lincoln County was the only county in Washington that would allow the entry of a Decree without personal testimony. Therefore, paralegals would prepare the documents for […]
Modification of Parent Plan
Family Law: Modification of Parenting Plan If a substantial change in the circumstances of the child or the other parent has occurred since the entry of the Parenting Plan or Residential Schedule, based on new facts that have arisen or that were unknown to the Court at the time of the prior decree or plan, […]
Modification of Spousal Maintenance in Washington
The provisions for spousal maintenance in a Decree of Dissolution can be modified if there has been a substantial change in circumstances. An example would be if one or both of the parent’s employment and/or income has substantially increased or decreased, or their physical health has changed such that it effects their ability to earn. […]
Motion for Default
Family Law: Motion of Default When a person is served with a lawsuit, there is generally a Summons that says they must respond within a certain amount of time, typically 20 days if served in the State of Washington and 60 days if served outside of the State of Washington. To protect themselves, they should […]
Name Change in a Divorce
Family Law: Name Change in Washington Divorce In a legal action for Legal Separation or Dissolution of Marriage, either party has the option to have a name change. That may be changing your name back to your maiden name, or to any other name you desire. You are not obligated to change your name. You […]
Page Limits in Motion
Family Law: Page Limits in King County Family Law Motion Are your aware that there are page limits on the number of pages you can file in a declaration for a motion for a family law hearing in King County, Washington? Well there are page limits, and it has been in effect for a couple […]
Parent Behavior Toward Children
Family Law: Parent Behavior Toward Children If you love your children, avoid involving them in your dissolution or custody disputes. The information below is something that everyone should follow, no matter how angry or upset they are toward their former partner. Do not poison your child’s mind against the other parent by discussing his or […]
Parenting Plan Evaluation
Family Law: Parenting Plan Evaluation In order to assist the Court in determination of parenting arrangements and the entry of a permanent Parenting Plan, the Washington Court may require a parenting plan evaluation, an investigation or evaluation by a professional experienced in such matters. The evaluator may be appointed by the Court, on its own […]