When people end their romantic relationship with their children’s other parent, they often feel as though they will never want to have a romantic relationship ever again. The reality is, after the emotional pain and adjustment period is over, most people do decide to date. Some choose to date seriously…
Whether it be because of divorce, children being born outside of marriage, or other non-traditional family structures, we have many clients with children whose parents and/or guardians are living in more than one home. This can be difficult for kids and families on typical days, but is especially difficult on…
In family law cases, people are often confused and worried about whether or not they have to have a trial. Many are nervous about testifying, the judge being mean, and/or having to sit across from the opposing party. Trials can be stressful, intimidating, and not conducive to a harmonious co-parenting…
Parents are sometimes surprised about how vacation provisions are drafted into Washington State parenting plans. The term “vacation” within the parenting plan can be a bit misleading. In reality, instead of drafting vacation time to be used exclusively for traveling (meaning reserved for use when one parent will actually be…
With the economy improving and unemployment going down, things are changing in the lives of many families in Washington. People are changing jobs, changing careers, relocating for new opportunities, and (happily) earning more money. For families with unmarried or divorced parents of minor children, these changes can mean more than…
It probably goes without saying that most family law attorneys are not psychologists, mental health counselors, or child development researchers; however, family law attorneys do work to stay up-to-date on issues related to how family law and child development intersect and how we can help our clients help their children deal…
Spring in Western Washington is a time for rain, tulips, planting gardens, and planning for summer vacation. It is also a time for unmarried parents of high-school aged children (especially seniors in high school) to consider whether they will be looking to their child’s other parent for help paying for…
To continue from last week’s post, here are more questions frequently asked by Washington clients involved in family law cases: Am I allowed to move? When an unmarried parent wants to move they have to consider how their move may impact their relationship with their child. With that in mind, many…
In many family law cases, the parties choose to use a dispute resolution method other than going to court. In some family law cases, parties are actually required to participate in the alternative dispute resolution process before they will be permitted access to the courts. No matter what the reason…
If children are involved in a family law case, there is sometimes a need for temporary child support. Fortunately, Washington State has a procedure for obtaining temporary child support. Temporary child support is child support that the court orders to be paid by one parent to the other for the…