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,…
Divorce mediation is a process of negotiations. Facilitated by a trained, neutral mediator, it can cut down on court costs by speeding up the divorce negotiations. It is not a form of marriage counseling. Unlike with marital counseling, the goal of divorce mediation is not to reconcile differences in the marriage, but instead, to find…
Mediation is a means of resolving all issues related to the parties’ divorce by agreement. It is an alternative to going to trial to resolve disputed claims. Most courts in Washington require the parties to mediate before going to trial, so you need to know what to expect and how to prepare. In divorce mediation, a mediator,…
Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution that is designed to help people settle legal disputes outside of the courtroom. The courts in Benton, Franklin, Yakima and Walla Walla counties require all parties in most domestic relations cases to go to mediation. In mediation, a neutral third party called a mediator works with the…
Are kids in “custody” spending more time with mom, dad, or is it equal? And who is doing the deciding – the parents or the courts? Children in sole custody situations are usually with the mother. This is not that surprising but still, the fact that only 1 in 6 custodial parents are fathers seems…
Divorce is not cheap, even in the best of circumstances. Paying attorneys’ fees on an hourly basis can get expensive, especially when there are children involved or when both partners own a substantial amount of property. If you are planning on getting divorced, there are ways to keep the price tag from getting out of…
Marriages may not always last for decades, but some debts do. When a married couple who owns a house divorce, the mortgage debt often exists for longer than the marriage. During a divorce, couples need to be aware of the long-term consequences of their mortgage before deciding on what should happen to the house. Mortgages…
Not everyone is satisfied after a judge makes a ruling during a family law or divorce case. Often, parents and spouses wonder if they have the right to appeal an unfavorable decision to a higher court. While in some situations an appeal is warranted, it is usually difficult to overturn a ruling without solid evidence…
Unfortunately, divorce can be an expensive experience for many couples. The cost of splitting up or selling property, maintaining two places to live, and paying child support or spousal maintenance can add up quickly. In addition to these expenses, both partners will have to pay legal fees to their respective attorneys. When contemplating a divorce,…