Author: Justin Aanenson

Two tracks separating in a forest indicating legal separation

Legal Separation vs. Divorce: What to Choose in Washington

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.

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Two birds talking to each other indicating Mediation discussion

Guide to Family Mediation in Washington State

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.

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A photo of a mail box indicating divorce by mail

Divorce by Mail in Washington State: The Ultimate Guide

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.

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Pigeon floating in the air

Washington Uncontested Divorce: A Client Friendly Guide

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.

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A child standing on a beach

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

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.

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Man Walking on beach with his child

Washington Parenting Plan Fundamentals: How to Draft Yours

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.

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