Divorce mediation offers a more cooperative approach to dissolving a marriage, focusing on collaboration rather than conflict. It allows couples to retain control over the decisions regarding their future and can result in quicker, less expensive resolutions. However,...
Everett Family Law Blog
What is the role of a guardian ad litem in custody cases?
In child custody cases in Washington, a guardian ad litem (GAL) can play a significant role in representing the child’s best interests. This neutral party assists the court in making informed decisions about custody arrangements. If you're involved in a custody...
Are student loans considered community debt?
Dividing debt in a divorce creates challenges similar to dividing assets. If you or your spouse have student loans, you may wonder whether both of you must repay the debt. Washington follows community property laws, which means the timing of the loan matters....
How does remarriage affect existing child support obligations?
Child support plays a crucial role in ensuring that children receive financial assistance from both parents after a separation or divorce. When one parent remarries, questions often arise about whether the new marriage will change child support payments. Understanding...
How does collaborative law differ from mediation?
Divorce can be stressful, but there are ways to make the process smoother. Collaborative law and mediation both offer alternatives to traditional court battles, but they function differently. If you're considering divorce, understanding these options can help you...
Parental alienation and its impact on custody
Parental alienation occurs when one parent influences a child to reject the other parent without legitimate reason. This can harm the child’s relationship with the alienated parent and affect custody decisions. Courts take these cases seriously and consider alienation...
How is intellectual property divided in a divorce?
Dividing assets in a divorce creates challenges, especially when dealing with intellectual property (IP). Unlike physical property, IP includes patents, trademarks, copyrights, and business ideas, which may continue generating income long after the divorce....
How divorce mediation can help divide retirement accounts
Dividing retirement accounts during a divorce can be a complex process. Mediation provides a structured and amicable way to address this issue. In Washington State, community property laws divide all assets and debts acquired during the marriage equitably. Retirement...
Calculating child support for parents with multiple families
When a parent has children with more than one partner, calculating child support becomes more complex. Courts aim to ensure that all children receive fair financial support while considering the parent’s ability to pay. Each state has guidelines to calculate child...
What are the steps involved in initiating collaborative divorce?
Collaborative divorce is a growing alternative to traditional divorce, offering a less adversarial approach that focuses on mutual agreements. This process requires both parties to work together with professionals to reach a settlement that benefits everyone involved....