What is a Guardian Ad Litem?

A guardian ad litem (GAL), who is also referred to an investigator or a court-appointed special advocate (CASA) is a person appointed by the court to make recommendations about the custody or visitation rights. Either parent can ask the court to appoint a GAL, usually if there are important issues about the safety or well-being of…

Why You Should Never Represent Yourself in Divorce Proceedings

If your car won’t run, you take it to a mechanic. If you are sick, you go to the doctor. Likewise, if you need to get divorced, you should consult an experienced divorce attorney who can guide you through your divorce proceedings and give you the legal advice and advocacy that you need. There are a number…

Can I Get Divorced if I Don’t Know Where My Spouse Is?

In every type of lawsuit, including divorces, you are required to serve the other party with notice of the proceedings by personally serving him or her with documents concerning the lawsuit. In some cases, however, you may not be able to personally serve his or her spouse after making several attempts to do so. In other cases, you…

What to Expect at an Ashby Client Kickoff Meeting?

A kickoff meeting is the time where you and your legal team meet, usually for the first time, and discuss your options. Work is done before, during, and after kickoff meetings. And although all clients and cases are different, there are some general features of Pacific Northwest Family Law kickoff meetings that are typically present every time.…

8 Signs You Should Hire a Child Custody Lawyer

In the state of Washington, almost 9 out of 10 child custody cases get settled by the parents themselves. That leaves only 2% for the court to determine and about 10% decided by default. Out of those cases, in about 60% of them, neither parents sought legal representation. How do you know when it is time to…

5 Tips to Help You Find The Right Divorce Lawyer

According to a 2016 study by the American Bar Association, a majority of people who don’t go to a formal advisor for assistance with a civil justice situation neglect to do so because they believe they have “no need for advice” or that such advice “wouldn’t make a difference.” The divorce rate in the U.S. has…

Effective Divorce Tips: Top Financial Mistakes To Avoid

According to a 2016 study by the American Bar Association, a majority of people who don’t go to a formal advisor for assistance with a civil justice situation neglect to do so because they believe they have “no need for advice” or that such advice “wouldn’t make a difference.” Getting divorced gives you something in common…

Talk to a Lawyer and Get Results

According to a 2016 study by the American Bar Association, a majority of people who don’t go to a formal advisor for assistance with a civil justice situation neglect to do so because they believe they have “no need for advice” or that such advice “wouldn’t make a difference.” In family law situations like divorce or…