News Category: Family Law
Cryptocurrency in Divorce
Cryptocurrency is an increasingly common investment in spouses’ portfolios. While cryptocurrency can present unique challenges due to the various exchanges, different forms of recordkeeping, and new vocabulary, the key questions for purposes of divorce are the same as for more traditional assets: When Was the Cryptocurrency Acquired? It is important to identify when you purchased
Can You Lower Spousal Support During a Business Downturn? What Washington Law Says
If your business has taken a hit because of tariffs or market volatility, the law may offer a path to modify your spousal support obligations—but it’s not automatic. A client runs a successful U.S.-based fashion brand that relies entirely on a specialized garment factory in Asia. When the most recent round of tariffs hit, the
Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction
The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty that established a uniform set of laws for countries with respect to child abduction. Countries that are signors to the Convention agree to follow an established legal process to recover and return children located in their country who may have
Establishing a Residential Schedule in a Washington Parenting Plan
If you and your spouse are undergoing a divorce with children, there’s a good chance you are thinking about what kind of custody arrangement you will end up with. In Washington, we refer to these as “Residential Provisions” or more colloquially a “residential schedule.” They are a mandatory part of every parenting plan. Certainly, this
How to Reach an Agreement in Divorce: Practical Steps for a Less Contentious Process
Divorce is often an emotionally charged and challenging experience. Beyond the personal heartbreak that may be involved, the legal and financial aspects can feel overwhelming. One of the most difficult tasks in the divorce process is reaching an agreement on key issues such as asset division, a parenting plan (if you have minor children) and
Prenuptial vs. Postnuptial Agreements: What’s the Difference Between These Two Types of Agreements, and Which One is Right For Me?
It is becoming increasingly more common for modern couples, either before or during their marriage, to execute a written legal contract with the goal of protecting the separate interests of either partner in case of divorce, legal separation, or death. A prenuptial agreement or “prenup” is a legal contract that is signed before marriage. A
Navigating Divorce: The Importance of Financial and Appraisal Experts
Divorces are stressful and emotionally challenging. Amidst feelings of loss and uncertainty, there are practical matters that require careful attention, especially when it comes to financial assets. In addition to having a strong family law attorney on your side, you will likely need experienced financial and appraisal experts as well. Experts provide essential support during
“Nesting” During Divorce: Is Nesting Right for My Family?
“Nesting” is a custody arrangement where, rather than having children move between homes, the children stay in the family home and the parents move back and forth and alternate living there. While it may sound appealing, nesting can be challenging in practice. Here are some considerations for divorcing parents thinking about before agreeing or committing
Handling Narcissistic Traits in Divorce Mediations (Strategies for Successful Settlement)
In the world of divorce proceedings, the term “narcissist” has become a common label. However, it’s important to understand that merely labeling a spouse as a narcissist does not necessarily influence the court’s decisions or result in punitive measures. While the term may be used frequently by divorce litigants to describe challenging behavior, it does
What is a “Defunct Marriage” in Washington?
Merriam-Webster defines “defunct” as “no longer living, existing, or functioning.” In Washington, a “defunct marriage” is a term for spouses who have given up any hope of salvaging the relationship, and yet for whatever reason have not filed for divorce.[1] This blog explains why defunct marriages are relevant for purposes of a divorce. It is