Nontraditional custody agreements refer to alternative family arrangements and also to alternative types of Washington State Parenting Plans for child custody that may deviate from the traditional arrangement of one parent having primary physical custody and the other having visitation or equal time with a child or children. These arrangements can involve shared physical custody, …

Parent child relationships can look different from just biological or even adoptive relationship. In Washington State, de facto parentage is a legal concept that recognizes the relationship between a child and a person who has acted as a parent, even if they are not the biological or adoptive parent of the child. De facto parentage …

In Washington State, individuals can change the gender marker on their government-issued identification documents, such as driver’s licenses and birth certificates, to reflect their gender identity. The process for changing a gender marker may vary depending on the specific document, but generally involves submitting a request to the appropriate agency and providing supporting documentation.   …

Third Parent Adoptions do not follow a specific process in Washington State. In general, adoptions are performed by individuals or couples who want to become the legal parents of a child. In Washington State, a person may adopt a child if they are over the age of 18, are a resident of the state, and …

Second Parent Adoptions in Washington State refer to the process of allowing a second parent, who is not a biological parent, to legally adopt a child. This type of adoption is typically used by same-sex couples or unmarried couples who want to establish legal rights and responsibilities for both parents, or sometimes a stepparent adopting …

If you are in need or considering Surrogacy and Donor Agreements in Washington State, you need a qualified attorney help. Growing your family is one of the most important things you will do. Protecting your family while doing it and having peace of mind is critical. In Washington State, surrogacy and donor agreements are not …

Family law cases can unfortunately often involve domestic violence. Are you a victim of domestic violence (“DV”) or being accused of perpetrating it, maybe even falsely? These are not uncommon issues in family law matters, whether a divorce, parenting plan modifications, or protection orders with and without children involved. You need to take action and …

Divorce is daunting. Whether you want it to happen or not, it is overwhelming. You need to get the right information to take steps early in your case to set you up for success. No matter what your friends or family members may tell you about what happened in their divorces, please know that no …

Your story matters to us. We want to hear what you are going through and provide a roadmap to help you get where you need to be no matter the obstacles. Maybe you have been thinking about seeking a divorce and now is the time to act. Perhaps you were recently served with divorce or …

Each divorce comes with its own set of emotional struggles and financial risks and you should never try to tackle them alone. No matter what your financial situation, is essential that you work with an experienced family law attorney who will advise you assertively and effectively and ensure all aspects of the process are addressed …

The experience of a divorce is unique to each individual. Even within a couple, each spouse’s experience is separate and distinct. In general, divorce is an emotional and painful process with stress and conflict often prevalent. Even in the best of circumstances, divorce is hard. In the best case scenario of divorce, a couple will …

Dissolving a marriage is complex in a way that comes with lasting financial and emotional impacts. Tech professionals have additional distinct challenges and considerations when facing divorce that others do not. If you are a tech professional and in the early stages of considering divorce, it is critical to work closely with a family law attorney familiar with the compensation …

“We have been together forever! We aren’t married, but don’t I have any rights?” Unmarried couples in Washington State do not have what some states call, “common law marriage,” but Washington courts do recognize “committed intimate relationships.” These relationships exist when an unmarried couple lives together for a significant period of time and live in …

It is often stated that money is the leading cause of stress in relationships. Couples may engage in power struggles around money, communication about money, or financial imbalances within the relationship. For these reasons and more, finances are also a common contributor to separation and divorce. It doesn’t end there. Finances are commonly the most …

What is the difference between legal separation and divorce? With both legal separation and divorce, there is a division of assets and debts and an agreements put in place for child support obligations and parenting plans. Procedurally, pursuing divorce and pursuing legal separation in Washington State are very similar. The primary difference is that with …

Dellino Family Law Group ardently supports marriage and relationship equality. Regardless of sexual or gender orientation, we believe in each family’s right to exceptional legal representation. LGBTQIA+ family law continues to change rapidly, both federally and in Washington State. We are dedicated to remaining up-to-date and knowledgeable with the evolving nature of the law, and …

What is a protection order? Is a protection order the same thing as a restraining order? Hey, what about a no contact order? How do I know if I can get a protection order and which one? What do I do if someone serves me with a protection order? Protection orders are the source of …

Mediation is a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution that can help you resolve your family law matter without litigation. In addition to representing our clients in mediations on a regular basis, Dellino Law Group also provides mediation and arbitration services to help you settle your family law matter. We have attorneys trained as mediators who …

Families are all different. At Dellino Family Law Group, we want to help you protect and grow your family in the way that is right for you. We offer Nontraditional Family Law services that include the following options to meet the needs of every family: Surrogacy and Donor Agreements Second Parent Adoptions Third Parent Adoptions …

Estate Planning and Health Care Directives – Flat Fee Options “I need a Will!” Can you help? What about a Health Care Directive?” YES. WE CAN! This last year has shown everyone that being prepared matters. No one should be without a Health Care Directive and Power of Attorney. Furthermore, taking planning a step further …

If you are involved with a legal case of any kind, there is a good chance you are battling with some level of emotional distress. Receiving professional, therapeutic support during a challenging time can be invaluable. Dellino Family Law Group is dedicated to putting your mental health first. We staff an in-house Mental Health Consultant …

When you are looking up “Divorce” on the internet, there are many terms, approaches, and facts flying at you. “Collaborative,” sounds good. “Cooperative” sounds good, too! You want low stress. You do not want to fight with your soon to be ex-spouse any more than you already have been. Ending a legal marriage is sure …

As couples approach marriage, it is important to consider whether a prenuptial agreement will be executed. Unfortunately, there is still a fair amount of social stigma attached to prenuptial agreements:  Aren’t you expecting your marriage to last forever?  Why are you preparing for divorce before you even get married? Does a prenup doom your marriage from the start? …

As couples approach marriage, it is important to consider whether a prenuptial agreement will be executed. Unfortunately, there is still a fair amount of social stigma attached to prenuptial agreements:  Aren’t you expecting your marriage to last forever?  Why are you preparing for divorce before you even get married? Does a prenup doom your marriage from the start? …

The division of assets and debt is often one of the most contentious aspects of a divorce, as we often place both emotional and financial value on our belongings. They way property is ultimately divided may have long lasting impacts on your financial stability and lifestyle.  We are here to assist you in this process, to negotiate …

Defining Paternity and Parentage: Paternity, by definition, means the state of being the father of a particular child. From a legal perspective, paternity refers to the legal relationship between a father and his child.  A biological father is not necessarily a legal father. It is the process of “establishing paternity” that then establishes the legal relationship …

Defining Paternity and Parentage: Paternity, by definition, means the state of being the father of a particular child. From a legal perspective, paternity refers to the legal relationship between a father and his child.  A biological father is not necessarily a legal father. It is the process of “establishing paternity” that then establishes the legal relationship …

Washington law has a specific process and set of statutes that govern issues related to relocation with a child, including each party’s rights and responsibilities. This is also known as the Relocation Act (RCW 26.09.405-560). If you are considering relocating with your child or have received notification of a proposed relocation from the other parent …

A final Parenting Plan is issued by the court when your divorce and child custody settlements are completed. The Parenting Plan may have been jointly agreed upon or may have been imposed by the court if you and your co-parent were unable to make an agreement. The Parenting Plan is intended to meet your child’s …

If you are living with your partner or considering moving in together, we strongly advise you to take some time to understand the implications. You should be aware of what cohabitation means for your relationship legally speaking, and you should be equipped to make an informed decision about how to protect yourself and your personal …

Uncontested Flat Fee Options in Family Law Cases “My case is not contested. My spouse and I agree on everything and just need someone to handle all our paperwork. Can you do that?” YES. WE CAN! While we offer full-service representation to people that need it, Dellino Family Law Group is proud to now provide …

If you are like many of our clients, being charged with a crime is something you never expected to have happen. You have a family, a job, a life, and this is not who you are. The shock being arrested and facing a criminal charge comes first, followed by the anxiety of what to expect …

Burglary is a felony offense in Washington State, with very serious penalties and consequences. There are four separate burglary-related statutes in Washington. Violations of these statutes each carry separate, specific penalties. If you are charged with one of these offenses, it is essential that you contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Given the seriousness of the charges, …

When someone says “I was robbed!” they likely mean they have been stolen from. Whether they were “robbed” may or may not be the case, legally speaking. Often people use the term “robbery” interchangeably with “theft” and “burglary”. However, there are very significant legal differences between these, according to Washington State legal code. In Washington State, …

If you have been charged with a theft offense, we recommend the following key steps: Understand the charges Understand the penalties Involve experienced legal counsel Understand the charges: It is essential to understand the law and the consequences. Theft offenses in Washington State are separated into three different categories. The category/degree is determined by the …

“Sexual Exploitation” in Seattle is the same crime as “Patronizing a Prostitute”, as it remains called elsewhere in Washington State. There is no difference in the law behind sexual exploitation vs. patronizing a prostitute. The only difference is in the name. Seattle’s choice to change the name, according to the City Attorney’s Office in 2015, had to …

Assault charges vary greatly in terms of situation and seriousness. Being charged with assault can be confusing, upsetting, and life-changing. Whether it is self-defense, defense of another person, a lapse in judgment, or something else that led to the assault charge, you will need strong legal representation to navigate your charges, defend your rights, and …

What is BUI? BUI refers to “Boating under the Influence” (RCW 79A.60.040), which is a gross misdemeanor and a significant criminal offense in Washington State. It is important to be aware of the law and potential consequences involved with a BUI conviction. BUI is similar to DUI in theory, but it is its own charge and is …

Violation of underage drinking laws can result in significant consequences. Please be sure you and your minor children are familiar with the laws and the penalties at stake. What are Minor in Possession & Minor in Consumption? Minor in Possession & Minor in Consumption of alcohol (MIP/MIC) are combined into one statute in Washington State. This is a …

What is Negligent Driving in the First Degree? Negligent Driving in the First Degree is also known as Negligent Driving 1 or “Neg 1”. A person is guilty of Negligent driving in the First Degree if he or she operates a motor vehicle in a manner that is both negligent and endangers or is likely to …

In Washington State, Reckless Driving is a gross misdemeanor criminal traffic offense. Reckless Driving charges can pose substantial consequences, and it is important to understand the law. Under Washington State law (RCW 46.61.500):  Any person who drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving. …

Many people assume that pulling off the road to rest when you have been drinking is not only a safe alternative to driving under the influence but also the takes away the chance of being charged with a DUI. This is not an accurate assumption. From a safety perspective, the wisest move is to refrain …

Since recreational marijuana was legalized in Washington State in 2012, there have been a lot of attention on it, as well as many misconceptions and mistruths. Just because pot is legal doesn’t mean it is unrestricted. Washingtonians should be aware of the regulations and controls in place around “legalization of recreational marijuana”. Understanding the law: …

Experienced DUI Attorneys Serving Seattle & Surrounding Areas Michelle Dellino – Top Rated Avvo Being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) can be a very traumatic experience.  Being pulled over while driving or being stopped at a Seattle area DUI checkpoint and being subjected to field sobriety tests is stressful enough.  But, if you …

Burglary is a felony offense in Washington State, with very serious penalties and consequences. If you are charged with a burglary offense, it is essential that you contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Given the seriousness of the charges, you will need skilled, experienced, high quality legal counsel. There are four separate burglary-related statutes in Washington. Please …

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 …

“Sexual assault” is a term used to refer to any type of sexual activity that lacks consent. Legal definitions of sexual assault crimes vary by state, but sexual assault may include non-consensual intercourse or rape, attempted rape, unwanted sexual touching, and sexual harassment. Sexual Assault Laws in Washington State: In Washington State, there are three different …

Both Stalking and Harassment are serious charges. In addition to the immense emotional impacts on the victims of harassment and threats, there are very legal potential ramifications for the one accused of this behavior. Stalking and Harassment charges are similar and are often filed simultaneously. Stalking: *Defining Stalking Law (RCW 9a.46.110): (1) A person commits the …

When a driver crashes their vehicle into another vehicle and then flees the scene, this is considered a hit and run. In Washington State, a Hit and Run is considered a criminal offense. Consequences are significant and may include jail time, fines, restitution for injury or property damage, increased insurance costs, and the long-term impact …

What is Negligent Driving in the Second Degree? Negligent Driving in the Second Degree is also known as Negligent Driving 2 or “Neg 2”. Under Washington State law, a person is guilty of Negligent Driving in the Second Degree if, under circumstances not constituting Negligent Driving in the First Degree, he or she drives in a …

No Trespassing! We have all seen the signs. However, we may not have all stopped to consider the law and potential consequences involved of ignoring them. Criminal Trespass Law: In Washington State, criminal trespassing is classified into two degrees. Criminal Trespass in the first degree is a gross misdemeanor and Criminal Trespass in the second …

What is Shoplifting or Theft in the 3rd degree? Think before you consider shoplifting! Even small items can add up to big problems. Merchants of all kinds throughout Washington State put significant funding into loss prevention and do not hesitate to encourage prosecution of even the smallest offenses. Theft offenses in Washington State are separated …