Custody Counts

Are kids in “custody” spending more time with mom, dad, or is it equal? And who is doing the deciding – the parents or the courts? Children in sole custody situations are usually with the mother. This is not that surprising but still, the fact that only 1 in 6 custodial parents are fathers seems…

Which Spouse Pays Alimony?

Do you hate when people say “back in the old days?” I suppose it depends on who you are asking when it comes to alimony, known in Washington as spousal maintenance or spousal support. Because, back in the old days, the man seemed to always pay because the husband was usually the one bringing home…

Can’t Make My Child Support Payments – Now What?

You say you can’t make your child support payments. The first question is – why? The next step is to take action in the form of notification. Child support payments can be modified but only in certain circumstances. It is crucial to follow the proper procedures in a timely fashion because the reality is that…

Can I Afford to Divorce?

More and more people these days stay together because they believe can’t afford to get a divorce. For those who truly have no money, they may qualify for pro bono legal representation through organizations like the Benton-Franklin Legal Aid Society. For others, the cost of divorce may be a daunting expense, but here are some…

How to Convert Your Legal Separation to A Divorce

Some couples choose to get legally separated rather than divorced for religious or personal reasons. While legally separated people are under no obligation to ever get divorced, those people who wish to remarry will have to get divorced to do so. In Washington, the state allows separated couples to convert their legal separation into a…

What Should You Do with Your Ring After a Divorce?

Engagement and wedding rings are important pieces of jewelry for both sentimental and financial reasons. For many people, an engagement or wedding ring may be the most expensive piece of jewelry that they own. These pieces also carry a great emotional weight, as they are often considered a physical representation of a couple’s love for…