If a spouse withdraws or hides funds from a joint account before filing for divorce, Washington courts can still order the money replaced or offset the withdrawal in the final property division. Joint account funds are community property regardless of who deposited them or who made the withdrawal. It’s a scenario we see often at…
Once a divorce settlement is signed or entered on the record under CR 2A, a spouse generally cannot back out except in cases of fraud, duress, or mistake. Before that point, either party can renegotiate. After weeks of negotiation, you and your soon-to-be former spouse agree to a divorce settlement which makes everyone happy. All…
Most marriages don’t end with a blowout fight. They end with silence. Distance. Emotional entropy. At Pacific Northwest Family Law, we fight against the harm that divorce brings. Not every marriage can—or should—be saved. But too many fall apart quietly, when they could have been rebuilt. We believe marriage is a good thing—maybe the best…
Navigating a divorce or family law issue can be daunting, and while the allure of resolving matters outside of court is strong, it’s crucial to recognize the potential pitfalls for you and your family. I’m Zachary C. Ashby from Pacific Northwest Family Law, and today, we’re diving into the realities of alternative dispute resolution. Mediation,…
6 Tips When Filing for Divorce in Washington State that Judges Wish You Knew, But No One Will Tell You Filing for divorce can be a daunting and complex process, especially when it comes to navigating the legal system in Washington State. There are a lot of other articles and information you can find that…
What is an Annulment? Those who wish to get an annulment generally seek the option because it’s a legal process that dissolves a marriage and makes it seem like it never existed. In Washington, an annulment is typically referred to as a Declaration of Invalidity. Annulments in Washington are only granted to those who meet…
Your Instincts to Protect Your Children We understand and respect your urgency and instinct to protect and provide for your children. If you find they are in an unhealthy or possibly dangerous situation, you may find yourself scrambling for answers. You have options, and you are not alone. Though emergency custody is only granted in…
Custody Takes a Team Approach You may remember when one parent would be awarded full custody of children, and the other would get minimal visitation. As times change, so does the need for both parents to remain active in the child’s life, barring any allegations of abuse or an unsafe home. Due to this, the…
Divorce can be difficult and full of emotional twists and turns, but it doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With proper planning and communication, you can move toward the next chapter of your life with confidence and peace of mind for you and your children. Determining who will be the custodial parent is a large part…