Divorcing couples who own a failed business face additional challenges when it comes to dividing debts. Washington courts apply equitable distribution, meaning they look at fairness, not necessarily a 50-50 split. Business debt can complicate this process. Community...
A “committed intimate relationship” (CIR) can be legally recognized in certain cases, particularly when determining property division after a relationship ends. Unlike marriage, a CIR does not require formal registration, so knowing how to prove a relationship is...
Divorce can be a challenging time for anyone involved, but it does not always have to be contentious. One method that often gets misunderstood is divorce mediation. Mediation always leads to reconciliation In 2022, many of the 989,518 divorces sought less contentious...
A parent's remarriage often raises questions about how the inclusion of a new person into the household might affect child support arrangements. The presence of a new stepparent can influence financial dynamics through the addition of income, new assets and increased...
Divorce can be challenging in many respects, especially with custody decisions. The desire to avoid a prolonged fight is one factor that accounts for most child custody cases settling out of court. According to an article on EarthWeb, approximately 29% of child...
Mediation is a powerful tool for addressing family legal matters. It encourages productive communication and collaborative problem-solving. What are some other family law issues besides divorce where people may benefit from mediation in Washington state? 1. Children...
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that at 2.9%, the divorce rate in Washington is above the national average. Going through any type of divorce is not easy, but if it becomes contentious, the emotional toll can be overwhelming. Dealing with the...
The decision to divorce affects not only the couple involved but also the lives that surround them. While all marriages weather their share of storms, specific signs indicate it could be time to think about divorce. Marriage demands constant work, patience and...
Committed Intimate Relationships (CIR), also known as "meretricious relationships," have a unique status under Washington State law. These relationships, akin to a marriage but without a legal certificate, often raise questions about financial support when they end....
Going through a divorce can be a long and stressful process. After all, in addition to having to deal with the emotional consequences that naturally come with ending a marriage, you also must divide your marital estate. This means you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse...
