If you are considering adoption, it can be exciting and overwhelming all at once. First, congratulations on a step that will forever change your and the child’s lives. Coming to this conclusion typically involves a lot of thought, care, and planning and isn’t a decision anyone makes lightly. The legal process of adoption can help…
Prenuptial agreements are more popular and better understood compared to postnuptial agreements. Many things change when people get married, which might create a need for a postnuptial agreement. The critical difference between the two is the timing. Postnups come after the union is officiated, while prenups are made beforehand. A postnup can be challenging to…
Most people’s understanding of how a courtroom functions comes from movies and television. Courtrooms in movies are always exciting, full of back-and-forth and shocking twists and turns. Our most famous celebrity trials are always exciting to watch, too. While going to court can be an exhilarating experience like in the movies, that is rarely the…
Family relations can be messy and complicated at times. And for many residents of the Tri-Cities, family has extended beyond parents and children. Many little ones have bonded with grandparents at levels that can warrant legal action if the continuity of the relationship is threatened. The legislation on relatives’ custodial and visitation rights has evolved…
Deciding to put your child up for adoption is a tough and overwhelming decision, but one of the most selfless decisions a parent can make. If you are considering this option, the first thing you should know is that you are not alone. There are many other parents in the very spot you’re in right…
Child custody arrangements allow parents to share parenting responsibilities and privileges. But when the plan is no longer favorable, modifications are allowed. However, the grounds for altering the original plan are strict and specific. The court only allows a parent to alter a parenting plan if necessary. Evidence of the adverse effects of the current…
Family relations can be messy and complicated sometimes. It can be frustrating when one or both parents object to a grandparent maintaining contact with a child. Most grandparents fail to realize that there are legal options they can explore to restore this relationship. The laws on non-parent visitation and custody have undergone many changes over…
Restraining orders are commonly taken up against the non-custodial parent, and the situation is usually remedied by having supervised visitation. But when the custodial parent unleashes violence on the non-custodial parent, the solutions become more complicated. Many such parents wonder what might happen to their children, especially when they take a restraining order against the…
If you’re being abused, harassed, or stalked by someone, you might consider filing a restraining order against them. This has been a huge problem in the U.S., with over two-thirds of restraining orders being issued by women against men. In many instances, restraining orders have saved lives. That’s why at Pacific Northwest Family Law, we…