Goldberg Jones

Divorce & Family Law Blog

Welcome to the divorce blog. You’ll find information on a broad range of topics related to divorce, support payments, child custody, and other family law topics.
ways to help with back to school
August 18, 2025
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Back to School Tips For Divorced Dads

Going back to school can be a hectic, stressful time for kids. But divorced dads feel it, too. Here are some useful hints to help ...
why is a guardian ad litem appointed
August 13, 2025
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Washington State Guardian Ad Litem: What To Know

In divorce and custody suits, a guardian ad litem may come in to look after the best interest of any children involved. Here’s what you ...
statistics of getting primary custody
July 28, 2025
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What are the Odds of Getting Primary Custody?

The law is neutral as written, but the common perception is that they favor mothers in custody cases. So what are a father’s odds of ...
difference between contested and uncontested divorce
July 17, 2025
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Contested Vs. Uncontested Divorce

What are the primary differences between a contested and an uncontested divorce and which category does your case fit into? ...
file for bankruptcy before divorce
July 7, 2025
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Divorce Or Bankruptcy: What To File First

Divorce or bankruptcy, which should you file first? Every situation is different, and there are many variables, but here’s what to consider. ...
How Discovery Works In Divorce Cases
June 19, 2025
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How Discovery Works In Divorce Cases

A great deal of information changes hands during the divorce process. Discovery is the tool through which this happens. Here’s how it works. ...
great dad movies for all occasions
June 11, 2025
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Awesome Dad Movies For Any Holiday

We like watching movies with dad, and we’ve compiled a list of great films to watch on Father’s Day, Halloween, Christmas, or just because. ...
served divorce papers
June 4, 2025
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You’ve Been Served Divorce Papers, Now What?

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 ...
how to dress for divorce court
May 28, 2025
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How Should You Dress For Court?

Right or wrong, many people look at you and immediately judge your appearance, which is why how you dress for court is so important to ...
what's the difference between them
May 19, 2025
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How Legal Separation Differs From Divorce

Divorce isn’t the only way to end a marriage. In certain cases, legal separation is an option. Here’s what to know about the differences and ...
A pair of high heels next to a pole and the words "My Ex Works at a Strip Club, Can I Get Custody of My Kids?"
May 13, 2025
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My Ex Works At A Strip Club—Can I Get Custody Of The Kids?

Here’s a question we don’t hear often: Can you challenge your custody order if your ex gets a job at a strip club? One of ...
Image
April 23, 2025
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Who Pays Support If Your Wife Has Another Man’s Baby?

Child support is a big issue in divorces, but what if your ex has another man’s baby? Who’s responsible for the kid then? ...
Image
April 2, 2025
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Sweat Equity In Divorce Settlements

Sweat equity can increase the value of shared assets, which often impacts divorce settlements. ...
how to change a support order
March 13, 2025
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Child Support Modification: How To Change A Support Order

Like trying to alter most court-issued decrees, child support modification in Washington isn’t particularly easy, but it is possible. ...
what is joint custody
March 6, 2025
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Types Of Custody: What Is Joint Custody?

Sometimes referred to as shared custody, the courts award parental rights and responsibilities to both parents. This means they share the duties of raising their ...
don't hurt your own divorce sace
February 24, 2025
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Ways People Damage Their Own Divorce Cases

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 ...
does washington state have common law marriage
February 12, 2025
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Does Washington State Have Common-Law Marriage?

The short answer is no, Washington doesn’t allow common-law marriage. As usual, however, the real answer is more complicated. ...
is life insurance a divisible asset
January 28, 2025
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Life Insurance And Divorce: What To Know

Life insurance policies can be one of the more delicate knots to untie in divorce and oftentimes get overlooked when ending a marriage. ...
how do I get my ex to cooperate

What if My Ex Refuses to Cooperate in Divorce?

“My ex filed for divorce in January. I have requested mediation I don’t know how many times, and she won’t answer, won’t step up to ...
what is no-fault divorce
January 14, 2025
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Is Washington A No-Fault Divorce State?

It’s the stuff movie melodrama: trapped in a loveless marriage, your spouse doesn’t want to divorce. But don’t worry Washington is a no-fault divorce state. ...
best time to divorce
January 8, 2025
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When Is The Best Time To Divorce?

When it comes to ending a marriage, timing is everything. Here’s what to consider when determining the best time to divorce. ...
issues addressed in parenting plan
December 17, 2024
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What’s In A Washington State Parenting Plan?

What does a parenting plan include? After a divorce, this document lays out all of the custody, residential time, and visitation regarding your children. ...
how to navigate holidays
December 4, 2024
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Managing Your Holiday Custody Schedule

There are many things divorced parents can do to successfully navigate their holiday custody schedule—and not so successfully. ...
questions to ask yourself beforehand
November 20, 2024
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When To Hire A Divorce Lawyer

Deciding to end a marriage is a huge choice, and knowing whether or not to hire a divorce lawyer can have a massive impact on ...
can you leave the country with child
November 14, 2024
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Passports, Custody, and International Travel

Your ex planning to take the kids out of the country can be a scary proposition. Knowing your rights and legal options will help put ...
Custody Battles
November 6, 2024
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Custody Battles: “I Feel Like I’m Being Set Up”

“I feel like I’m being set up. My wife’s saying she’s going to take my boys and move them to California. Can she actually do ...
what to do if your ex won't let children play sports
October 29, 2024
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Can Your Ex Keep Your Child From Playing Sports?

Sports are important to a lot of kids, but can your ex step in and stop your child from playing sports or participating in other ...
Is There a Good Way To Ask for Divorce?
October 22, 2024
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How To Ask For Divorce

You’ve tried everything you can to fix your broken marriage, but nothing works. It’s time. But there’s one looming question: how do I ask for ...
divorce facts divorce fiction
October 8, 2024
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Scary Divorce Fact Or Urban Legend?

There’s a lot of information floating around, but how can you differentiate between an urban legend and a scary divorce fact? ...
what is an annulment in washington
September 11, 2024
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Can You Get An Annulment In Washington?

So you got drunk in Vegas and woke up married, what do you do? Is annulment an option? If so, how do you proceed with ...
divorce patterns over generations
August 27, 2024
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Breaking Down Divorce Rates By Generation

Different generations have different traits. Obviously. But how each age group views marriage and divorce tells us a lot about them. ...
are false abuse allegations common
August 21, 2024
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False Abuse Allegations And Divorce

Mudslinging and conflict are common occurrences in divorce, but when abuse allegations come into play, that changes things dramatically. ...
what's in a divorce decree
August 13, 2024
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Divorce Decrees: What You Need To Know

On a practical level, a divorce decree grants the dissolution of marriage and lays out the basic information regarding the separation. ...
ex won't participate in meetings

Ex Keeps Dodging Our Meetings To Alter Child Support

Modifying a child support order is tough enough in the best cases, but what if your ex keeps dodging scheduled meetings? ...
types of protection orders
July 17, 2024
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How Are Protection Orders Used in Divorce?

In Washington, protection orders serve to guard against abuse, stalking, and harassment. Here’s what you need to know about them. ...
why celebrate divorce
July 8, 2024
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The Best Ways To Celebrate Divorce

Most of us think ending a marriage is a sad, somber event. It often is, but not always. Here are some fun, festive ways people ...
purpose of washington division of child support
June 19, 2024
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What Is The Washington Division Of Child Support?

The Washington Division of Child Support is key to enforcing support orders. Here’s how it works. ...
is a business a divisible asset in divorce
June 10, 2024
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How to Protect A Business in Divorce?

Ending a marriage is delicate and complex, and a business only complicates matters. Here’s how to protect your business in divorce. ...
steps to divorce in washington state
June 3, 2024
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How To File For Divorce in Washington State

The process of divorce sounds complex and scary, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s how to file for divorce in Washington state. ...
time it takes to divorce

Divorce in Washington: How Long Does It Take?

The minimum amount of time a divorce takes is 90 days, but many factors can make it take much longer. ...
signs they may be hiding assets
May 15, 2024
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Signs They May Be Hiding Assets During Divorce

Your ex may be tempted to hide assets during the divorce. Here are some signs this may be going on. These don’t automatically mean that’s ...
what to expect in court
May 2, 2024
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Child Custody Hearings: What To Expect

Child custody hearings are hugely important, but what should you expect? What questions will you be asked? How do you need to prepare? ...
how does mediation work during divorce
April 24, 2024
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Divorce Mediation, How Does It Work?

Ending a marriage usually evokes images of court, but there are other options. Divorce mediation is a common, effective option. ...
how do courts treat debt in divorce

How To Split Debt In Divorce

The division of property plays a big role when it comes to ending a marriage, but it’s also important to know how courts treat shared ...
quiky divorce
April 9, 2024
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Divorce After A Brief Marriage

As a rule, the longer the marriage, the more complex the divorce. The other side of that coin is in shorter marriages, divorce can be ...
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April 2, 2024
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The Most Common Reasons for Divorce

While every couple has their own unique reasons to break up, themes do emerge and there are many common reasons for divorce. ...
washington state child support
March 25, 2024
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How Is Child Support Calculated in Washington?

The Washington State Support Schedule provides the standard basis for child support calculation. The court uses this formula to define its terms, lay out the ...
how to prepare for divorce
March 11, 2024
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Divorce Strategies To Know Before Filing

Ending a marriage can be a long, tricky process. Here are some divorce strategies to prepare and make the road as smooth as possible. ...
large purchases during divorce
March 4, 2024
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How Major Purchases Can Hurt Your Divorce

If you’re going through a divorce, you may want to hold off making major purchases until the process is over. Here’s why. ...
Image
February 27, 2024
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Is Inheritance Considered Separate Property in Divorce?

If you don’t shield your inheritance properly, you stand to lose a substantial amount when it comes to divorce and the division of property. ...
how to deal with custody exchanges
February 19, 2024
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Keeping Custody Exchanges Civil

If you have kids, custody exchanges after divorce are going to be a fact of life. They’re not always easy, but here are some ways ...
can you divorce without spouse
February 13, 2024
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How Do You Get Divorced If You Can’t Find Your Spouse?

What options do you have if you want to divorce but you can’t find your spouse and don’t know where they live? ...
drawbacks of moving out during divorce
February 6, 2024
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How Does Moving Out Affect Divorce?

Moving out of a shared home can have a negative impact on your divorce in a number of ways. It’s important to know the impact ...
how can you protect your custody rights
January 22, 2024
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Ways To Protect Custody and Visitation

The most harrowing part of many divorces is the fight for child custody and visitation. Here are some dos and don’ts to strengthen your case. ...
common traits in a good lawyer
January 15, 2024
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What makes a good divorce lawyer?

What makes a good lawyer? What personality traits make up a good divorce attorney? We take a look at the good and the bad. ...
credit score divorce
January 9, 2024
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Does Divorce Hurt Your Credit? Rebuilding Finances After Divorce

Keeping track of your money is important all the time, but taking steps to rebuild finances after divorce is especially vital moving forward. ...
representing yourself in divorce seattle
December 18, 2023
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Pro Se: Can You Represent Yourself In Divorce?

You can choose to represent yourself in divorce proceedings, but is that the smart choice? Here are some benefits and drawbacks of pro se divorce. ...
granting custody to non parent
December 13, 2023
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Can A Non-Biological Father Get Custody?

Child custody disputes can be heated, contentious affairs. But what if you’re not a biological parent? Do you even have a chance to win guardianship? ...
what if ex wont abide by a divorce agreement
November 30, 2023
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What to Do When Your Ex Won’t Follow Court Orders

Just because you have a divorce agreement down on paper, that doesn’t mean everyone will automatically play by the rules. ...
getting through thanksgiving
November 14, 2023
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Surviving Thanksgiving for Divorced Dads

Thanksgiving and other holidays can be tough times for newly divorced dads. Here are some tips and strategies to get through a difficult stretch. ...
when is arbitration the right choice
November 9, 2023
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What Is Divorce Arbitration? Is it The Right Choice?

In divorce, arbitration offers an alternative to going to court, presenting arguments, and having a judge rule. But is it the right choice? ...
couple couch prenup

The Awkward Conversation of a Prenup

Starting the conversation about a prenuptial agreement can be awkward, but it’s an important one to have. ...
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Can You Be Kicked Out Of Your House During Divorce?

“I am so over my husband right now. Next time he’s on the road for work, can I move out all his stuff and change ...
grandparents
October 9, 2023
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Do Grandparents Have Custody or Visitation Rights in Washington?

Many states have provisions to secure visitation rights for grandparents, Washington, however, does not. ...
Image
October 2, 2023
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Dividing Retirement Benefits in Divorce: Common Financial Mistakes

Divorce has drastic financial implications no matter your age, but couples approaching retirement face a number of unique potential pitfalls. ...
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September 25, 2023
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Text Messages As Evidence in Divorce

“My ex is abusive to my daughter. She keeps sending text messages that say that she can’t handle my daughter, that she doesn’t want her, ...
can i keep my ex from leaving state
September 18, 2023
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Parental Relocation: Can Your Ex Move With Your Child?

My ex-wife wants to move to another state for work, but I don’t want them to. How can I stop this? ...
how to parent after divorce
August 29, 2023
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Co-Parenting Strategies For Divorced Parents

You may never want to see your ex again after the divorce, but when there are kids, co-parenting is a way of life. Here’s how ...
can fantasy sports help you with parenting?
August 21, 2023
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How Fantasy Sports Can Help Divorced Dads

From football, basketball, and baseball, to rugby, cricket, and NASCAR, fantasy sports are everywhere. But how can they be useful to divorced dads? ...
postsecondary education
August 7, 2023
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Can Child Support Payments Continue Past 18?

In general, child support ends when the child in question turns 18 or finishes high school. That’s not always the case, however, and here are ...
post-secondary-support
August 7, 2023
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Verifying Post-Secondary Support Payments

It’s important to make sure post-secondary payments are going to the right place. Here’s how. ...
how is alimony calculated
August 1, 2023
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How Spousal Support Works In Washington

Spousal support is often one of the biggest expenses encountered after divorce, and it’s important to understand how it works. ...
Divorce Jurisdiction: Where You File Matters
July 24, 2023
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Divorce Jurisdiction: Where You File Matters

Divorce is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. And as you’ll learn, jurisdiction has a major impact on your case. ...
seattle divorce lawyers consultations
July 17, 2023
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Preparing for a Divorce And Child Custody Consultation

The initial consultation is an opportunity to get your questions answered and help you better understand how your circumstances affect the divorce process. ...
divorce health insurance
July 11, 2023
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How Divorce Affects Health Insurance

Divorce requires the separation of more than just assets and debts. It also requires dealing with often overlooked items, like health insurance. ...
avoid becoming a deadbeat dad
July 5, 2023
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Avoid Becoming a Deadbeat Dad

There’s a certain image of a deadbeat dad, one who doesn’t pay child support. However, this often to do with ability to pay rather than ...
celebrating mens health
June 26, 2023
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4 Ways To Celebrate Men’s Health Month

Did you know June is Men’s Health Month? Here are some ways to get in the spirit, celebrate, improve your health, and prevent issues down ...
can kids decide which parent to live with

My Son Wants To Move In With Me, Can He?

My teenage son doesn’t want to live with his mom anymore, can he move in with me? Does the court take his desires into account? ...
Image
June 12, 2023
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10 Great Movie Dads

One of our favorite ways to mark Father’s Day is to watch movies with the old man. Here are some great movie dads to watch ...
x-ray of a broken arm
June 5, 2023
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Personal Injury Settlements In Divorce

Where money comes from in a marriage has a lot to do with who gets it in a divorce. How does this impact a personal ...
how does Washington state divide property
May 30, 2023
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How Does The Division of Property Work in Washington?

There are 2 types of property division. There is community property, which means the state views all property and debts acquired during a marriage as ...
does your education affect chances of divorce?
May 22, 2023
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How Education Affects Divorce Rates

Education is a big part of most people’s lives. And at least one person believes education impacts divorce and divorce rates. ...
who gets to refuse
May 2, 2023
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Right Of First Refusal In Divorce And Custody

When it comes to child custody, what is a right of first refusal, and how does it impact how much time you spend with your ...
is there a benefit to filing for divorce before your spouse
April 10, 2023
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Is There A Benefit To Filing for Divorce First?

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 ...
a man in prison

What Are My Custody Rights If I Was In Prison?

Child custody cases can be complicated. Courts consider many factors when making this decision. But what are your custody rights if you have been in ...
legal marijuana and child custody
March 27, 2023
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How Does Legal Marijuana Affect Child Custody?

Though marijuana use in Washington State is now legal, it carries a stigma, and, like it or not, can still impact child custody cases. Here’s ...
child support accountability
March 20, 2023
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Child Support Spending Accountability

Can you get an itemized breakdown of what your child support payments actually cover every month? How do you go about ensuring child support accountability? ...
should I sign a joinder
February 27, 2023
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Should You Sign A Joinder In Divorce?

In a divorce, the two parties are the petitioner and the respondent. If the two sides agree to the terms, the respondent can sign a ...
how is a house divided in divorce in seattle
February 6, 2023
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Dividing A House In Divorce

How do you divvy up the house during a divorce? We look at the steps for valuing your home and how courts may split the ...
how do you acquire divorce records
January 23, 2023
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Are Divorce Records Public In Washington State?

Are divorce records public? How do you acquire them? And how easy is the process? We answer these questions and others below. ...
how to communicate with ex
November 16, 2022
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How to Deal With Your Ex at Special Events

If you and your ex have kids, you’re going to run into them at games, plays, and other events. It’s important to keep yourself in ...
two brothers hugging
October 19, 2022
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Will Courts Split Custody and Separate Siblings?

Divorce throws a child’s world into upheaval, but what about cases of split custody? Will the court really separate siblings? ...
can jobs cause divorce
August 25, 2022
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What Jobs Have The Highest Divorce Rates?

Jobs and employment status often play a big part in divorce. But what jobs have the highest divorce rates? And which jobs have the lowest ...
Image
August 18, 2022
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How Social Media Impacts Marriage And Divorce

Because social media has such an impact, it makes sense that it plays a role in our marriages. And often times that also means it ...
can i get custody of my pets

Does Washington State Have Pet Custody Laws?

Many of us consider pets part of the family, but how does the law view them in divorce? ...
how much does a divorce cost in seattle

Cost of Divorce In Washington State

Divorce is expensive, that’s not a surprise, but how much should you expect to pay? ...
divorce and coronavirus covid 19
February 17, 2022
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How COVID-19 Affects Divorce, Child Custody, And Support Payments?

In the last few weeks there have already been significant changes that affect the Divorce and Family Law process. With temporary court closures, it means ...
is having a dad as important as a mom
September 19, 2021
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Why Having a Father is Important

We all know that parents have a huge impact on a child’s life, but why is it important for kids to have fathers present and ...
father's day in quarantine
June 18, 2020
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Father’s Day in Quarantine: 10 Fun Activities

Father’s Day may look a little bit different this year, thanks to COVID-19, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to celebrate dad! ...
child custody criminal charges
May 18, 2020
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Pending Criminal Charges And Child Custody

Criminal charges often have a major impact on custody cases. The legal mire of new Seattle Seahawk Quinton Dunbar may show us how. ...