Understanding The Role Of A Guardian Ad Litem

In some family law cases, a judge will appoint a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) who will be responsible for representing the best interests of a child in court. In a divorce or child custody case, the GAL will be charged with investigating a family situation, and making recommendations to the judge about where the child…

How Self-Employment Affects Child Custody And Support Obligations

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau report, 14.6 million Americans, or one-tenth of the nation’s workforce, identifies as self-employed. With more people working for themselves than ever, calculating child support payments is becoming more complicated. If you or your former spouse is self-employed, be aware of how the court will use employment information to…

Options For Dividing A Pension During A Divorce

After decades of marriage, a couple shares almost everything. In Washington State, a couple who divorces after a lengthy marriage will also have to split nearly everything, including pension accounts. Because Washington is a community property estate, any money earned in a pension or retirement account during a marriage is considered joint property of the…