Category: Family Law
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Affordable divorce in Washington: Unbundled Legal Services
For many separating couples, the emotional trauma of actual separation is further complicated by the potentially devastating economic consequences of splitting one house into two. Add large legal bills to this situation and you have one reason why many couples are actually choosing to stay together purely for economic reasons. How is it practically feasible…
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Divorce in plain English
The legal system can seem confusing to non-lawyers. Laws and legal documents based on those laws are drafted using legal terms and language that is known mostly only to lawyers or legal professionals. In this article I explain in plain English some legal terms relating to divorce. Divorce = Dissolution In the State of Washington…
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Keeping divorce costs down: Agree to agree (if you can)
Much has been reported in the press about couples staying together because they cannot afford a divorce. Often times, with little or negative equity in the house and mounting debts, the prospect of paying large lawyer’s fees for a divorce is an unacceptable one for unhappy couples who would prefer to separate if they could…
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Law in the Time of COVID-19
In
Published in the March, 2021 Washington State Bar News How I ditched my office but maintained my solo practice For the majority of my 30-year career as a lawyer, licensed in three jurisdictions, I have been a proud solo practitioner. As a solo, I have enjoyed the freedom to adapt my practice to my life,…
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COVID-19 (Coronavirus) information related to family law in King County
During the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak our law office will remain open virtually and we are available by telephone, email or videoconference to all existing and new clients. We will be as immediately responsive as possible. The last few months have been stressful and difficult for all of us as the reality of the pandemic continues…
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What is Spousal Maintenance?
Often known in some states as “spousal support” or “alimony”, spousal maintenance is money paid by one spouse to another upon separation or divorce. Spousal maintenance is not the same as child support; it is meant to support the spouse. However, a court could look at existing child support obligations as a factor in determining…
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Issues facing separating couples: When to represent yourself
When should you attempt to go through the divorce process without an attorney? Two key questions you have to ask yourself are: If the answer to both questions is yes, you may be in a position to go through the divorce process by yourself. If you are dealing with complex issues, you still might want…
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What to do if your spouse asks for a divorce
Your husband or wife has told you “I want a divorce.” You are now faced with the question, what do you do next? The time during which a couple is faced with the possibility of a divorce is an emotional one: fraught with tension, sadness and often anger. It can be difficult to see the…
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Parental rights in Washington: Parenting Plans defined
The biggest issue facing separating couples with children in Washington State is, or at least should be, a determination of what is in the best interests of the children. The document that outlines where and with whom the children live, and what their schedules will be with each parent, is called a Parenting Plan. A…