The laws of some states do recognize the concept of common law marriage, but Washington is not one of those states. Common law marriage typically means that a couple has lived together for a significant period of time and held them out as married. Although Washington does not recognize common law marriages, there are ways…
Discovery is the legal process by which parties to a divorce (or any type of lawsuit) exchange information about issues related to the case. The discovery process ensures that each side is completely aware of all assets, debts, and other important information that might have a bearing on the outcome of the case. The information gained through discovery…
It is never easy for a child to be away from his or her parent, even for a relatively short period of time. Likewise, parents always miss their children when they are apart. When a move due to a job or another reason takes you away from your child on a more permanent basis, it…
The Service Member’s Civil Relief Act (SCRA)is a federal law that provides protection for service members involved in civil lawsuits, including divorces and other family law cases. The main goal of the SCRA is give individuals the chance to participate in the court proceedings when they are on active duty with the armed forces. The SCRA does not stop…
When you and your ex get divorced, the last thing that you probably want is to maintain any sort of relationship with your ex. If you share minor children with your ex, however, you have no choice but to maintain some sort of relationship, if only for your children’s benefit. While it may not be easy to maintain…
Whether or not spousal support (also known as alimony or spousal maintenance) ends depends entirely on the language in the final orders. Some spousal support orders remain in effect for only a certain period of time. Other spousal support orders stay in effect indefinitely. Spousal support also automatically terminates if the support order doesn’t say…
Divorce often takes the life to which you have grown accustomed and turns it upside down. You may feel uncertain, confused, lost, and lonely at various points during your divorce proceedings. As a result of all of this chaos in your life, it is no wonder that you want start dating and move toward a…
Washington law provides that when a couple divorces, all of their property is divided between the parties. Dividing some items of property is a relatively easy process, but some forms of property take more time and consideration than others. Property includes not only real estate and bank accounts, but also retirement plans, business interests, pensions,…
Divorce is not without some degree of resentment, conflict, and even hostility between the parties. Co-parenting during and following a divorce can be extremely difficult, especially when everyone’s emotions are running high. When divorcing parties share minor children, they have a special responsibility to maintain an amicable relationship with one another to the greatest extent…