Calculating child support is a complicated endeavor. While it is easy to find a child support calculator online, creating a legally accurate and acceptable agreement takes more than simply entering numbers into a website. Every state offers parents a way to estimate their child support obligations. Parents can find numerous calculators and worksheets online that…
Summer vacation is a great opportunity for non-custodial parents to enjoy quality time with their children. Over the summer, it is common for children to spend weeks or even months with their non-custodial parent, giving the family time to go on vacation or simply spend time bonding with each other. With so much time together,…
Child support can be paid either directly to the parent who is owed support, or indirectly to the state of Washington. When a judge approves a child support order, that order will state how the child support should be paid. Some parents prefer to have payments handled through the state, so that the receiving parent…
Many couples assume that a prenuptial agreement is unnecessary. When two people get married at a relatively young age, neither person may have the assets or career that would seem to warrant a prenup. However, as the marriage goes on circumstances may change, and you could end up dealing with a messy, expensive divorce. This…
Even when a marriage is on the rocks, many people still do not want to get divorced. If you are ready to move on from your marriage, but your spouse won’t sign the paperwork, what are your options? The Initial Petition When a person refuses to sign the initial petition asking for a divorce, his…
All divorces take time. In Washington State, a divorce must take at least three months because there is a mandatory 90-day waiting period before the divorce can be finalized. Many divorces last much longer, especially if there are conflicts over children or the division of property. As time goes on, anything can happen. If a…
Washington State has one of the largest Native American populations in the country. As a result, the state has a robust system of tribal courts than handle many matters, including divorce and child custody issues involving Native American children and adults. What Is a Tribal Court? There are 29 federally recognized tribes in Washington State.…
The amount of child support a parent has to pay depends on the number of children he or she has, and the amount of money that he or she makes. However, not all income is included in child support calculations. Parents are allowed to deduct certain types of income and expenses from their gross income,…
If parents share time with their children equally, does one parent still have to pay child support? In the past, many judges awarded mothers primary custody of the children, while fathers were left with limited visitation schedules and an obligation of child support. Today, this is no longer the norm. It is not unusual for…