WA recognizes Committed Intimate Relationships & Not Common-Law Marriage It is a common assumption that after living with an intimate partner for a long-time, you automatically end up in “common-law marriage”. You get all the economic and legal benefits of a marriage without the formal certificate and expensive party. Sounds great, right? Wrong. It’s not …
Short answer: It depends! Working out the financial details is often one of the most contentious aspects of a divorce. Even in an amicable divorce, division of assets and debt can be extremely stressful. When there is conflict and debate, stress and emotion can rise to very uncomfortable levels. It is essential that you work …
The holiday season is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but for many it is just stressful and overwhelming. There can be unrealistic expectations for joy and gift giving, financial pressures and strain, and tense family dynamics. Tempers flare and emotions run high during the holiday season. With heightened stress levels …
The holidays are notoriously challenging for those undergoing stressful life changes, such as separation or divorce. This time enduring such a difficult emotional experience may amplify feelings of loneliness while others are filled with holiday cheer. The holiday season is often a particularly special time for children. Many kids wait with excitement and anticipation for …
By nature, divorce is difficult and sad, usually affecting multiple parties in devastating ways. There are so many aspects of life that are impacted by divorce, and a plethora of painful emotions. Among the affected aspects of life is the matter of living arrangements. For many families, it is more than just sorting out who lives …
Whether you saw it coming or it was a complete surprise, being presented with the evidence of your spouse pursuing divorce is never easy. If you have just been served with divorce papers, you are at very least overwhelmed and you are likely flooded with a myriad of emotions. We have highlighted some of the …
Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is intended to increase awareness and advocacy across the nation. The National Resource Center on Domestic Violence describes some of the key themes of DVAM including mourning those who have died because of domestic violence, celebrating those who have survived, and joining together to end violence. The National Network to End Domestic …
The division of assets and debt is often one of the most contentious aspects of a divorce. We are here to assist you in this process, to negotiate on your behalf, and to protect your best interests. Washington is a community property state, as defined in RCW 26.16. Any money you earn and any property you …
It’s that time of year again. Summer is ending and kids are headed back to school. Back-to-school season is always a stressful time for children and parents, and it can be even more complicated if you are divorced. This time of year is a mixed bag of emotions for everyone involved, with feelings of excitement, anxiety, …
A recent Money Magazine article highlights strategies for avoiding financial mistakes during divorce. Each divorce comes with its own set of emotional struggles and financial risks. Decisions made during the divorce process can have long-lasting effects. Given these significant impacts, it is advised that you avoid making any decisions in haste. When it comes to making financial …
Washington state law ardently prosecutes crimes of domestic violence, and conviction can involve very serious and long-lasting consequences. This is not to be taken lightly. Furthermore, if you commit a crime of domestic violence and then in any way prevent or attempt to prevent the victim from reporting the crime, you may face an additional …
With wedding season in full swing, partners are looking toward their forever futures together. This Seattle Times article reminds us that prior to saying “I do” it may be wise for partners to have honest discussions around financial infidelity. The article makes important points about financial deception its role in breaking up a rising number of relationships and marriages. …
