Washington Annulments: Basics of the Divorce Alternative

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Washington’s version of an annulment is called a declaration of invalidity. Unlike divorce, which ends a marriage, a declaration of invalidity cancels a marriage. Essentially it wipes it clean from the record like it never occurred in the first place.

Complete Guide to Washington Spousal Support for Non-Lawyers

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As of January 1, 2019 spousal support will longer be tax deductible. The spouse paying support will also pay the taxes. Prior to 2019 spousal support was tax deductible. Going forward we’ll need to calculate support in a whole new way. This article covers topics like how to calculate support today, why the pre-2019 support rules still matter, when to use spousal support, and how long payments should last.

Legal Separation vs. Divorce: What to Choose in Washington

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Depending on your circumstances, legal separation can be a better option than divorce. For example, legal separation can help you keep health insurance, military benefits & immigration status. However, it is not easy to undo and often overly complicates the process of splitting up.

Guide to Family Mediation in Washington State

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Mediation is required in most counties for family law cases, so often it’s in your best interest to start with mediation and see if an agreement is possible. People that mediate within the first thirty days of a conflict end up resolving their issues in less time and typically spend less money than those who put it off. Through mediation I’ve seen entire divorces completed without anyone ever setting foot in a courtroom.

Divorce by Mail in Washington State: The Ultimate Guide

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Why would I divorce by mail? Not only is it a low cost divorce choice, but also it can be a huge time saver. Divorce by mail lets you skip court appearances, family law orientation classes, and parenting classes. If you’re eligible to file by mail it’s the simplest solution to divorce for Washington residents.

Do It Yourself Divorce in Washington: The Essential Guide

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Anyone can file a DIY divorce in Washington. Online resources, family law facilitators at the courthouse, and attorneys can simplify the paperwork for you. You’ll also find the filing process is straightforward. The real question is should you file your own divorce?

Washington Uncontested Divorce: A Client Friendly Guide

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An uncontested divorce occurs when a couple files for divorce and has agreed to terms. Typically an agreement is reached prior to filing the case, but it can occur shortly after if the respondent joins the petition. Keep in mind, an uncontested divorce is different than a settlement, which is an agreement signed at the end of a contested case to avoid trial.

Washington Child Support: How Much & How Long Will I Pay?

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In short, your child support payments are determined by a mathematical formula. You can use Washington’s child support economic table to find the total support obligation. Then calculate your share based on the proportion of income you contribute compared to your spouse. Typically payments will last until a child reaches age 18 or graduates from high school.

Divorce Tax Return Q&A: Tips to Simplify Tax Season

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Much like winter in Westeros, Tax Day is coming. If you’re divorcing or recently divorced don’t let April 15 stress you out. Here are the top six tax questions related to divorce and the advice you need to ace your post divorce tax return.

Washington Parenting Plan Fundamentals: How to Draft Yours

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A parenting plan outlines each parent’s responsibilities after the divorce. The major focus of the plan is to set the times a parent will be with the children, but it covers much more. Other topics include: decision-making authority, transportation and exchange schedules, and dispute resolution plans.