Strategic Approach, Optimistic Outcomes In Family Law
Same-sex marriage is still relatively new, which means that same-sex divorce is also a relatively recent legal process. As such, people often don't know what to expect in a same-sex divorce scenario. Especially when there are children involved, there may be concerns...
In recent years, the concept of family has evolved beyond the traditional nuclear model, with polyamorous family structures gaining acceptance. Polyamory involves engaging in multiple consensual, loving relationships simultaneously. In a family context, this might...
When you're divorced and have children, whether they are grown or young, if you want to see them on every holiday, you can. But you will have to do some work. Coordination with your ex for family dinners and holidays It's familiar territory to see a big family dinner...
The choice to homeschool your child is often a difficult one to make. It could be a cost-saving choice, such as homeschooling rather than paying for private school in the face of an underperforming public school system. It could be a personal choice, wanting a greater...
It often takes time and extensive negotiations to reach a custody arrangement when parents separate or divorce in Washington. Either the parents themselves or the courts invest significant time and energy into the creation of parenting arrangements that focus on the best interests of the children. Both parents then have an obligation to comply with the current custody order. Eventually,…
Parental kidnapping is when a parent takes their child to a new location permanently in spite of their custody agreement or visitation rights. Technically, there is no crime called “parental kidnapping” in Washington, but rather “custodial interference.” It’s important to understand the risk factors of parental kidnapping, as well as your recourse in Washington. How likely is parental kidnapping? For…
Parentage is the legal term for an adult’s biological relationship with a child. When a man wants to establish his parentage, he may use the word paternity. Some men automatically have parental rights after the birth of a child. Men married to the mothers of their children benefit from a presumption of paternity or parentage in Washington state. They are…
The term ‘de facto’ means ‘in fact’ or ‘in reality,’ and that’s precisely what de facto parenting is about. A de facto parent is someone who has stepped into the role of a parent, forming a consistent, parent-like bond with a child without being the child’s biological or adoptive parent. This person provides care, emotional support, and stability in a…
When child custody is disputed, it can quickly lead to complicated legal situations. Fortunately, many custody disputes can be handled civilly. In some cases, though, emergency action is needed to protect your child. This is called an emergency custody hearing. Emergency custody orders are filed without notifying the other parent, usually to remove the child from a situation of imminent…
When Washington parents with young children divorce, they often struggle with making decisions about where to live and what to do with the family home. Kids usually do well with as little upheaval as possible after their parents split up. Moving to a new home and splitting time between one parent’s home and the other can make children feel unsettled,…