When parents separate, creating a parenting plan is a necessary part of the divorce process. The parenting plan works out issues like where children will live and how much parenting time each parent will receive, but can also be used to iron out a wide variety of issues. By creating a comprehensive parenting plan during…
Getting served with legal papers is never pleasant, and can be a nerve-wracking experience even if you knew your spouse was planning on filing for divorce. When your soon-to-be-former spouse has you served with papers, you need to take certain steps to protect your rights before it is too late. Read the Papers The initial…
Supporting a child is a shared responsibility between two parents. When a family court orders your former partner to pay child support, it can be a great relief to know that someone else has a legal responsibility to help you support your child. Unfortunately, some parents do not feel obligated to support their children, and…
When you owe child support to your ex, you assume that he or she is using that money to care for your child. Most of the time, this is the case. Not all parents are as responsible as we would like, however, and sometimes parents may waste child support payments on frivolous items. When you…
Most people know when the end of a marriage is coming. During the breakdown of a marriage, both partners may be waiting for the other to finally end the relationship. When a marriage is unsalvageable and the parties are considering a divorce, is there a legal or financial advantage to filing first? Financial Benefits Divorce…
Adopting a stepchild is a rewarding, life-changing experience. When your new spouse has children, adopting these children as your own cements your new family’s bond. If you are considering adopting a stepchild in Washington state, you will need to clear several legal hurdles. Getting Consent In order to adopt a stepchild, you must have consent…
Divorce rates for people over the age of 50 have skyrocketed in the past 30 years. For the first time in history, older adults are more likely to be divorced than they are to be widowed, and the divorce rate is expected to continue climbing as the Baby Boomer generation ages. Dubbed “gray divorces,” the…
Families come in all different shapes and sizes. As a result of divorce, remarriage, or separation, many of today’s Washingtonians have a family that consists of step-children, half siblings, or adopted children. While you may view all your children equally, the law will make a distinction between your biological and non-biological children in the event…
No matter what type of legal proceeding you are involved with, the laws of this country protect your right to represent yourself in court. Though most people would never seriously consider representing themselves in a serious criminal trial, many divorcing couples wonder if they need an attorney at all to represent them in court. If…