Military Pensions and Divorce in the State of Washington
In the state of Washington, a military pension can be considered shared property and is therefore subject to division during a divorce. Washington is a community property state, which means that any property acquired during your marriage is generally considered shared property. Pension plans, investments, and other retirement plans contributed to, or formed, during a […]
What if my Partner Doesn’t Want a Divorce?
You’ve decided you want a divorce, but your partner doesn’t want one. What can you do? It’s not uncommon for one person to be ready to file for divorce, while the other still wants to fight to save the marriage. In this article, we’ll explore what happens when your former spouse is uncooperative in the […]
The One Factor That Keeps Divorce Affordable
If you’re thinking of filing for divorce, it’s understandable to want to find ways to keep your divorce affordable. According to a recent article in the New York Times, a couple can expect to pay anywhere from $15,000 – $20,000 on their divorce. And if your divorce is contested, you can expect to pay far […]
History of Same Sex Marriage in Washington State
It has been almost ten years since the Supreme Court made same sex marriage the law of the land with Obergefell v. Hodges. And it was just over 40 years ago that the first same sex couples attempted to obtain marriage licenses. The court cases they filed when they were denied the fundamental right to […]
Tax Implications of Divorce
Getting divorced has tax implications as well as financial ones. In this article we’ll explore some of the common tax implications of divorce and address some things that can also get commonly overlooked. If you have a complicated tax situation, are filing for high net worth divorce, or are dividing a business with your former […]
Divorce and Immigration
If you are getting divorced and are in the United States on a visa or green card, you might be wondering how divorce might affect you, or your spouse’s, legal status in the U.S. If you are currently living in the U.S. on contingent residence status, or if you are living in the U.S. on […]
How Family Lawyers and Mental Health Professionals Can Work Together
Family lawyers and mental health professionals can work together for better outcomes in divorce. Of course, such a statement raises the question of what a “better outcome” is. Emotions can shape the outcome of a divorce. Couples who are more aware of how their emotions affect how they approach their divorce are more likely to […]
Legal Steps LGBTQ Couples Can Take to Protect their Families
LGBTQ families are understandably concerned about how a second Trump administration might impact their rights, especially given that it is likely that the administration will appoint additional conservative judges who could potentially influence decisions regarding LGBTQ rights. With the appointment of additional conservative judges, it isn’t unreasonable to think that conservative groups might be emboldened […]
Probate in Washington State
Probate is the court-supervised process by which an estate is administered after a person passes away. Assets must be accounted for, located, and in some cases, appraised. Valid debts must be paid, and creditors must be notified. Taxes must be paid. Any issues about the will or family disputes regarding the estate are also addressed […]
Duties of an Executor in the State of Washington
Being named the executor of an estate can be a major undertaking. Executors have a responsibility to the estate, to heirs, and to beneficiaries to manage the estate responsibly. In Washington state, an executor is also known as a personal representative and is tasked with handling a deceased person’s financial affairs, including settling debts, paying […]