For many people, the idea of filing for either divorce or bankruptcy is terrifying and doing both at the same time may seem like way too much for one couple to bear. However, for couples who incurred a lot of debt during their marriage, filing for bankruptcy before filing for divorce can help each partner…
Ideally, a divorce or separation between parents and children would run smoothly for the benefit of the kids. In reality, there are often instances when one parent has abandoned his or her responsibilities and left their former partner with the sole burden of caring for the children. When a spouse or partner willfully abandons their…
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…