For many stepparents, their new partner’s children are as much a part of their new family as any of his or her biological children. Stepparents can help fill a parental role in their stepchild’s life, and often form lasting familial bonds with their stepchildren. When a stepparent and a biological parent separate, any children involved…
Much of the information the average person believes he or she knows about child support is based on rumor, myth and what they saw on TV. This type of misinformation can set parents up to feel disappointed when their case is finally over. Here are the most common misconceptions many parents have when they consult…
When younger couples get divorced, one or both parties may still be receiving student loan payments or other forms of financial aid. This is especially true when one partner is pursuing a masters, doctorate, or other type of professional degree. When a couple who is receiving financial aid divorces, does this money count as income…
During a divorce or child support matter, both parties are required to fill out a financial declaration. This form, which is done under oath and penalty of perjury, attempts to provide a picture of each party’s financial state. The first section indicates your employment and educational history. The second section is a summary of other…
Most people are not in the habit of creating a written contract every time they make a promise to another person. In society, we expect that people will keep their promises, and many people put great stock in always keeping their word. However, without a written contract, how much is an oral agreement or promise…
Advances in reproductive technology have allowed thousands of otherwise infertile couples to conceive children. While this technology is nothing short of miraculous for couples who are struggling with infertility, it can also cause legal and ethical problems if those same couples later divorce. When a couple divorces, who gets custody of frozen embryos and other…
Representing yourself in court—being a “Pro se” litigant—is a difficult process. Pro se litigants are left to figure out the complexities of court procedures on their own and must follow all rules and statutes as though they were an attorney. In a recent study conducted by the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal…
Divorce not only brings a change of lifestyle but also often a change of address as well. Are you trying to decide where to live next? Looking for a fresh start in a new town? Well, lucky for you the attorneys at Pacific Northwest Family Law are more than just legal eagles. Let’s begin with…
The overlap between dating a new person and divorcing your spouse is a difficult time, even though you are not cheating on your spouse it can still be an awkward position to be in and questions may pop up. Such as when you are in the midst of a divorce, are you even allowed to…