Unmarried parents in Washington face legal uncertainties that married parents avoid. Being listed on a birth certificate does not, by itself, create an enforceable parenting plan or guarantee decision-making authority or parenting time; unmarried parents generally must establish legal parentage and obtain court orders for residential schedules and decision-making. Washington law requires unmarried parents to […]
Court-ordered parenting plans establish enforceable residential schedules and decision-making authority for separated or divorced parents in Washington. When one parent refuses to follow the plan by denying parenting time, missing exchanges, or violating other court-ordered terms, the affected parent has legal remedies to enforce compliance and hold the violating parent accountable. Understanding what constitutes a […]
Every newly married couple imagines growing old together in happiness. Sadly, though, this doesn’t always pan out. Even though you may not feel like broaching the subject of potential marital separation with your significant other, it might be important for you to consider protecting your assets, depending on your situation. Though it might sound a […]
The National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA) reports1 that financial abuse and exploitation is a rapidly increasing form of elder abuse in the United States. Financial elder abuse occurs anytime another individual wrongfully or fraudulently takes money or property from an elderly adult. Financial abusers can be strangers, caretakers, or even trusted family members or […]
Child custody questions may arise out of divorces, paternity suits, or later issues if a parent’s capabilities are questioned or a parent wishes to modify an existing custody arrangement. Courts will make child custody decisions based on what is in the “best interest of the child.” What factors does a court consider? Washington law requires […]
Child support orders are based on calculations involving the income and qualified expenses of each parent and a specific schedule set out by state law.1 However, as we all know, income and expenses can change significantly over time. If one or both parents experience such a change before the child reaches age 18, the existing […]
When an adult becomes incapacitated, they may require another individual to make legal decisions for them. Guardians can handle personal, legal, and financial affairs, as well as making decisions for physical health and well-being. The court must approve a guardianship and the guardianship usually remains effective until the incapacitated person regains competency or passes away. […]
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has reported1 that individuals in the United States owe more than $1 trillion in federal student loan debt. Because so many people have taken out loans to fund their education, it is not a surprise that numerous married couples are repaying student loans for at least one spouse, if […]
Seattle Divorce & Mediation Attorney How can a mediator help with my divorce? Ending your marriage is not as simple as just requesting that the court grant a divorce. There are many different issues that must be settled before a court will officially dissolve your marriage. These issues include how you will divide your property, […]
These days, almost everyone has a social media presence. Whether you use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, or any other similar site, the information that you post can often be seen by a large number of people. If you are going through a divorce, you should always be extremely careful about anything you post on any […]
