Seattle Attorneys BlogParents sharing a child’s residential time under a court order (like a residential schedule or parenting plan) should be aware of the requirements of the relocation provisions of RCW 26.09. That chapter of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) requires that under certain circumstances a residential parent relocating the child must give notice prior to the relocation. Parents are sometimes confused about what circumstances require them to provide such notice. Continue reading
Articles Posted in Family Law
Alternative Family Structures and Family Law Issues
We spent a lot of time on this blog discussing Washington families dealing with marital dissolutions and life after a divorce, but what about families where the parents were never married and/or never intend to marry each other? How does Washington family law affect these families? This post discusses some of the issues that arise in families where marriage is not intended, desired, or included. Continue reading
What Should I Wear to Court?
Many of our family law clients are dealing with their first court case of their lives. They are nervous and intimidated about what the court process will be like, what they should wear, how they will be expected to act, and what they should say. We hope with this article to avoid one of the common sources of anxiety: what to wear on your day(s) in court. While you should take the advice of your attorney, there are some basic rules of thumb that apply to most court appearances: Continue reading
Things to Consider Before Introducing Your Kids to Your New Boyfriend or Girlfriend
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 and look for another committed relationship, while other unmarried parents decide to date casually. No matter what your intentions are in your dating life, it is important that you consider if and when you will introduce your new significant other to your children. Here are some strategies that might help you decide if, when, and how to introduce your kids to a new love interest: Continue reading
Do You Have to Change Your Name When You Get Divorced?
Many things change for a person who gets divorced: marital status, financial situation, and relationships with children to name a few. Another thing that might change is the person’s last name. While in comparison to moving, having less time with kids, and having to divide most of your assets, changing a last name might not seem like a big deal, for many people actually faced with the situation, it is.
There are many reasons why people who are getting divorced decide to keep their married last name. It is important for people to know that whatever the reason you want to change or decide not to change your last name name, it is up to you. It is not mandatory for a person to change their married name upon dissolution of marriage. Here are a few of the reasons people choose not to change their married last names: Continue reading
Divorced for the Holidays: Extended Family
Past blog posts have discussed tips for helping children of two-home families deal with the holiday season and spending holidays away from one of their parents. Today’s post discusses another group of people affected by a two-home family: the extended family. Oftentimes, divorced (or otherwise unmarried) parents hope that all their extended family will be able to attend the holiday get together the years they have their children. Unfortunately, when scheduling with the extended family there can be added confusion, hurt feelings, and headache for divorced parents. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help the holidays run more smoothly and help your kids get to see as many members of their extended family as possible. Continue reading
Alternative Dispute Resolution in Family Law Cases
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 relationship. Fortunately, there are other options for concluding a family law case that do not involve a trial. Here are a few ways that family law cases can be settled without the need for a trial: Continue reading
Legal Costs and Family Law Cases
We have covered the issue of legal costs during family law cases on this blog before, but we think it is an important enough issue to merit further discussion. Each person has their own priorities and it is important that your family law attorney be willing to adjust their usual procedure to help you reach your objectives without ruining your financial future (or be honest about their inability to change their procedures enough to fit your budget and let you seek help elsewhere). Sometimes, keeping costs low during a family law proceeding is pretty high on a client’s list of priorities. Here are a few (more) ways to save on legal costs during your family law case: Continue reading
Property Divided Upon Dissolution
As part of the dissolution of marriage process in Washington, according to RCW 26.09.080 “the court shall, without regard to misconduct, make such disposition of the property and the liabilities of the parties, either community or separate, as shall appear just and equitable after considering all relevant factors…” Prior to dividing property and liabilities, the court must identify what property exists. For the most part, it is the job of the parties and their lawyers to show the court what property needs to be divided. At times, the identification of property can be difficult. (It should be noted, while the courts will divide property if asked to do so, it is also an option for most couples to divide their own assets and liabilities without court intervention.) Below, we provide a few examples of property that is sometimes overlooked during the dissolution of marriage process. Continue reading
Three Issues to Consider When Choosing an Attorney
When confronted with a legal issue, many people have to go through the process of choosing an attorney for the first time. Choosing the right attorney for the legal issue you face is an important decision. As attorneys, we understand the importance of choosing the right attorney for you and your case, and with that we provide these issues to consider when choosing an attorney: Continue reading