Do I Have to Tell My Ex if I Want to Get a Passport for Our Child?

While most parents are able to cooperate about their child traveling internationally, some parents have well-founded concerns about their ex-partner taking their child to another country. These concerns often arise in the context of highly contested divorce and child custody proceedings, in which parental abduction may be a concern if the child is allowed to…

How Enforceable is My Prenuptial Agreement?

More and more couples are executing prenuptial agreements prior to getting married, which likely corresponds to the fact that couples tend to be older when they marry, thus putting more assets at stake. No matter the value of assets involved, for many couples, executing a prenuptial agreement is a wise decision. Entering into a prenuptial…

What is a Separation Contract, and Do I Need One?

Any couple who intends to or is currently going through a separation or divorce can execute a separation contract in order to settle any issues of dispute. These issues might include the division of property, the payment of debts, the custody and support of children, and the payment of spousal support. A separation contract sets…

Protecting Your Finances During Your Divorce

Divorce is an emotional process, and all too often, individuals involved in divorce tend to make decisions that are not in their best interests, especially when it comes to finances. Unfortunately, financial fallout from divorce is more common than not, and it can take years to rebuild your financial health following a divorce. By taking…

Does My Spouse Have to Agree for Me to Get Divorced?

In the state of Washington, divorce is “no fault,” which means that the only legal ground for divorce is an “irretrievable breakdown” of the marriage. An irretrievable breakdown simply means that the couple’s marriage is permanently broken and cannot be repaired. Since Washington is a no-fault divorce state, it is unnecessary for both spouses to…

Do I Have to Pay for My Child’s College Expenses?

Under Washington law, a parent must pay child support until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. Once that child has graduated, however, he or she may wish to go on to college. It can be difficult for parents in an intact marriage to determine how to pay for college…