Different states often have very, very different rules for divorce and custody. In some states, laws even vary by county. This includes differences in property division, custody, and support payments

Your testimony and what you have to say should leave the greatest impression. Be clean, be professional, be appropriate. Tips for dressing for court: Keep it simple. Know the dress code. Cover tattoos and piercings. Be well-groomed and presentable, well-fitting, comfortable clothes.

While the word ‘annulment’ is commonly used, the legal term in Washington is ‘Declaration of Invalidity’. Annulment is usually associated with the Catholic church.

With the proliferation of do-it-yourself divorce websites, online tools, and similar resources, you don’t necessarily need an attorney to end your marriage. But there are times it’s vital.

The divorce process is complicated and it’s important to have strategies in place. It has a massive impact on your future, influencing everything from finances to your living situation to how much you see your kids.

The intent of these payments is to ease the financial hardships of the dependent spouse following a divorce. Some states have different types of spousal support, but in Washington, individual judges use a list of factors to decide whether to award it, how much, and for how long.

Your business is an asset. Whether it’s a construction company, small dog walking service, or multi-million-dollar software concern, the court may view it as a community property and treat it as such.

Though the state recognizes common-law marriages from other states—in reality, only a few still embrace the custom—Washington itself does not allow the practice. What they do have are Committed Intimate Relationships.

Washington is a community property state. This means the courts view all assets earned or acquired during the marriage as belonging equally to both spouses. This happens to all property acquired during the marriage unless it can be categorized as separate property.

Divorce or bankruptcy, which should you file first? Every situation is different, and there are many variables, but here’s what to consider. In general, however, our attorneys recommend dealing with the financial issues of bankruptcy before proceeding with divorce.

There’s a lot of information floating around, but how can you differentiate between an urban legend and a scary divorce fact?

People are quick to offer advice about divorce, and one frequently shared tidbit is that you need to file for divorce first. But do you really?

Simply put, an uncontested divorce means that both spouses agree on all related issues. On the other hand, a contested divorce is, as it sounds, a situation where spouses have substantial disagreements and the process takes much longer and gets complicated.

A great deal of information changes hands during the divorce process. Discovery is the tool through which this happens. Here’s how it works.

What happens when your spouse serves you with divorce papers? It comes with a lot of questions. How do you respond? What do you do next?

Education is a big part of most people’s lives. And at least one person believes education impacts divorce and divorce rates.

If your ex gets a new job, like one at a strip club, and it jeopardizes your child’s safety and well-being, you may have grounds to modify a parenting plan. But it’s also important to know that, even if you show cause, judges are often reluctant to change a court order once in place.

People often do things that damage their own divorce cases. Common issues include: Filing before they’re ready. Agreeing to unfavorable terms. Taking bad advice. Moving out without considering the ramifications, and more.

In short, no-fault divorce is exactly what it sounds like. You don’t have to prove that either party is to blame for the marriage crumbling. All the court requires is that you declare the union broken beyond repair with no hope of reconciliation. Do that, actually be legally married, meet state residency requirements, and follow the proper procedure, and you can dissolve your marriage.

When it comes to ending a marriage, timing is everything. Here’s what to consider when determining the best time to divorce.

Different generations have different traits. Obviously. But how each age group views marriage and divorce tells us a lot about them.

False abuse allegations in divorce cases are a regrettably common occurrence. One spouse may think that leveling such accusations against the other is advantageous. Too often, this assumption proves correct.

There are multiple types of protective orders that can be used for a variety of reasons. They can be temporary or permanent. Domestic violence, no-contact orders, and civil anti-harassment to name a few.

In Washington, pets are considered property, but courts are evolving, some take into consideration whom is most closely bonded to the pet, where others may look to the source and date of payment to determine ownership.

The minimum time required to finalize a divorce varies by state. In some, like Oregon, it’s 30 days. Others, however, have a mandatory waiting period that exceeds six months. Washington Has a 90 Day Waiting Period In Washington, divorce takes at least 90 days. That’s the absolute minimum, but many take much longer. The 90-day clock starts when you or …

If you make a big purchase while your divorce is pending, in some circumstances, under community property statutes, this may be included when it comes to the division of property. There are factors that will come into play in this ruling, like financing, where the funds to make the purchase originated, and what you actually bought.

What makes a good lawyer? What personality traits make up a good divorce attorney? We take a look at the good and the bad.

In family law, arbitration is an alternate dispute resolution (ADR). That’s a fancy way of saying it’s an alternative to the traditional method of going to court, presenting arguments, and having a judge rule. Arbitration is often faster, cheaper, and more convenient than going to trial.

There are many common mistakes people make in divorce as it concerns retirement. 1. Not knowing what you’re entitled to. 2. Not considering your ex’s Social Security benefits following divorce. 3. Choosing the house over other assets. 4. Raiding retirement savings. 5. Ignoring the tax implications of retirement benefits. 6. Not being aware of shared debt.

Divorce requires the separation of more than just assets and debts. It also requires dealing with often overlooked items, like health insurance.

For most people, a house is the biggest purchase they ever make. This also makes it one of the main assets to divide during a divorce. Figuring out how to divide the marital home is often a close second in terms of conflict. (Child custody remains the frontrunner.) How Is A Home Treated in A Divorce? Dealing with real estate …

Like many documents, unless sealed by a court order, divorce records like divorce decrees and certificates are a matter of public record.