In Washington State, both parents have a financial responsibility to support their children. The amount a parent is required to pay is set forth in statute and depends on the total income of both parents. The parent who makes more money is required to pay more money. The amount of time children reside in a…
For many couples, one partner is in charge of the finances. For example, the husband may bring home the paycheck, but the wife may balance the checkbook and take care of household bills. This type of financial separation is also common when it comes to filing taxes each year. Often, a husband or wife will…
Retirement benefits from the Social Security Administration are calculated based on the number of years a person worked during his or her lifetime. The longer that a person worked, the greater number of benefits that person will receive. For many people, older women especially, their spouse may have worked much longer and be entitled to…
During a divorce, it is important that the spouses work together, especially when children are involved. However, for people suffering from the sting of a recent breakup, this is easier said than done. When communicating with your ex during a divorce, you need to set certain boundaries and rules. Most importantly, spouses need to remember…
For older couples, or those who have been married for a long time, pensions and retirement accounts are extremely important assets for the future. In Washington, money earned in these accounts during a marriage become the community property of the couple, which is subject to being split up in a divorce. Not all accounts will…
For many people, their house is their most valuable asset. In a divorce, assets are split fairly between the couple, including their home. When neither former partner can afford to keep the house, or when both partners want to leave the home, the house may be put up for sale. When One Partner Wants to…
One of the best things about divorce is the opportunity for a new, fresh start in life. For many women (and some men), this means using their former, or maiden name. Changing your name during the divorce process is relatively easy and can be accomplished in several ways. Additionally, parents can petition the court to…
When a married couple owns a business, that business can be considered community property. Like all assets in a Washington State, the business should be split between both spouses. But how does a divorce court divide up a business? Valuing the Business Before a business can be split between the spouses, the parties have to…
After a serious relationship like a marriage ends, many people heal by jumping right back into the dating game. While it may be natural to want to move on with a new partner, a serious relationship during your divorce proceedings may end up hurting both your personal relationships and the results of your divorce case.…