As is the case with everything else in the legal world, there is a set process for divorce cases. We’ll explore this process of a standard divorce in Washington here – but before we get into the details of it all, let’s tackle some misconceptions. Common Misconceptions About Divorce Over my decade-plus of time in family law handling divorce cases, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve come across people who wrongly believe that since they didn’t work over the course of their marriage, they aren’t entitled to any of the community property, be it a house or other high-value piece of property. This assumption is entirely baseless. In reality, Washington State operates under community property laws. This typically entitles both spouses to a fair share of marital assets acquired during the marriage,…Read More
Divorce is, more often than not, an incredibly difficult ordeal to experience. It’s easy for lawyers to focus only on the legal aspects of the process, but as much as this makes sense, I prefer to adopt a high-level view and discuss the front end of divorce with my clients, along with many other facets. Doing so means I can provide them with more comprehensive support as they themselves begin contemplating divorce in Washington – or perhaps are blindsided and find themselves in the midst of their spouse or significant other as already having started the process. Preparing For Divorce Washington State is a community property state, which means anything that was acquired during the marriage is presumptively community property. So, even if your name was not titled on an asset or…Read More
In this article, you will discover: Washington Courts’ approach to custodial rights for stay at home parents in a divorce. How the court evaluates whether or not to award spousal support to stay at home parents. What stay at home parents can do to prepare for divorce proceedings in Washington state. Does The Stay At Home Parent Automatically Get More Custodial Rights When Parents Are Divorcing In Washington? When determining custody arrangements, the court often considers the status quo, especially if the stay-at-home parent has been the more frequent caregiver. However, it’s crucial to note that the other parent should not be penalized for working. To address this, the court will usually look at what happens after work as well. Factors such as helping with homework, making dinner, spending time…Read More
In this article, you will discover: The alternative dispute resolution methods in contested divorce cases. How you can find the funds you need to start (or to properly respond to) divorce proceedings. How to deal with financial restraints as you move through the divorce process. Are There Alternatives To Litigation In Divorce Or Family Law Matters That Individuals Should Explore Outside Of The Traditional Court Process? Indeed, many individuals prefer to avoid the court process in divorce due to the associated costs and emotional toll. Litigation often becomes entangled with personal pride and heightened emotions rather than a focus on what is legally fair and equitable. As an alternative, parties may opt for mediation or negotiate a settlement before filing a case. If both parties are relatively aligned, they can…Read More
In this article, you will discover: The important financial considerations you’ll need to take into account before filing for divorce. How the division of property and child custody matters are handled in divorce proceedings Why getting a divorce attorney is the best first step you can take. What Are Some Key Financial Considerations Individuals Should Assess Before Initiating Those Proceedings? For most people in family law divorce cases, a few simple questions at the beginning can help to ease the process. Some of the most important financial questions to consider will include: Can I financially sustain myself if I move out of the family home? Am I going to continue to financially contribute to the family home if I choose to move out? Can I move out and still sustain myself…Read More
