Divorce Checklist
The divorce process can be straightforward and fair. Here is the checklist for a divorce with children in Seattle/King County.
Divorce is so much easier than when we were children
Divorce doesn't have to be as hard as it was when we were younger. The rules have changed, and parents have more tools now. Divorce can be a positive transition.
Are you calling around for free consults so you can try to do your divorce forms yourself?
Lots of people feel like they need to call around to try to get advice and support when they're doing a self-help divorce. This article gives free and low-cost services so you don't need to feel overwhelmed.
How Do Fees Work in a Divorce? Can I just pay a little bit for divorce forms? What's the difference and why do lawyers cost so much?
Why does a divorce cost so much? And why is there such a big difference in what various firms charge?
How to have an easier divorce with children - Part 1 of 4
Focusing on the future, and going easy on yourself, will help you and your children move forward in a positive way.
Spousal support general rules in Washington
Washington law does not favor spousal support, but judges and lawyers all know that sometimes a spouse will be awarded maintenance or spousal support on top of child support, or even in a case where the spouses don't have any children. Here are some guidelines as to how that might work: First, ...
Mediation when your needs aren't being met
Unmet needs keep people feeling stuck. Moving on from a relationship where your needs aren't being met will make you both feel so much better.
Some things you may need to know for a divorce in Seattle/Washington State
People tend to ask questions about the same odd little areas of Washington family law, so we've collected some facts and links below for anyone who's curious about how to get ready for a divorce in Washington State: Where do I find "child support owed" to my ex partner or spouse in my paperwo...
Selling or refinancing your house with a CR2A/Settlement Agreement
Use a CR2A/Settlement Agreement to keep your house in a divorce.
Financial Asset/Debt Division - What's Fair?
What is legally fair might not feel fair to both parents. A Settlement Agreement can help both parents maximize their community property in a way that helps them both move on comfortably.
What Paperwork Will I Need For An Uncontested Divorce In Seattle?
In Seattle, for an uncontested divorce you need to complete a specific set of family law forms and file them in the correct order to keep the process moving smoothly. Both partners need to sign each of the forms, which means you both have to agree to all the terms that are written.
What Should I Expect in an Uncontested Divorce?
Elizabeth Steen March 6, 2020 What Should I Expect in an Uncontested Divorce? Elizabeth Steen March 6, 2020 We've all heard the story before. Families going through a complicated, time-consuming, and acrimonious divorce that costs thousands of dollars only for the result to be less than satisfa...
Settlement Agreements Explained in the movie "Marriage Story"
Elizabeth Steen February 17, 2020 Settlement Agreements Explained in the movie "Marriage Story" Elizabeth Steen February 17, 2020 Most people watching the movie “Marriage Story” probably missed the finer points of modern divorce laws featured. But Settlement Agreements showed up three times in ...
Are Lawyers Really Like Laura Dern's Character In "Marriage Story?"
Elizabeth Steen January 15, 2020 Are Lawyers Really Like Laura Dern's Character In "Marriage Story?" Elizabeth Steen January 15, 2020 Ever since this terrifying movie came out, everyone wants to know how realistic the Laura Dern character of a divorce lawyer really was. Short answer: Incredibly...
The Facebook comment people still ask about...
Elizabeth Steen January 13, 2020 The Facebook comment people still ask about... Elizabeth Steen January 13, 2020 It is so hard to go through a divorce. And women who are struggling often post in mom's groups asking for advice. This is a comment that was posted in a Facebook group last May (with...
The Facebook Comment That Got Me In Trouble With Other Lawyers
Elizabeth Steen January 13, 2020 The Facebook Comment That Got Me In Trouble With Other Lawyers Elizabeth Steen January 13, 2020 You may disagree with me - and individual situations can vary a LOT. But something I'm always careful about is telling women to sue their ex for emotional abuse, or a...
Carolyn Hax On Divorce
Elizabeth Steen January 13, 2020 Carolyn Hax On Divorce Elizabeth Steen January 13, 2020 The Washington Post advice column, “Tell Me About It…” is really, really helpful for people who have been divorced. A lot of people might not know that writer Carolyn Hax went through a public, messy divorc...
Customize your divorce options to save time and money...
Elizabeth Steen January 2, 2020 Customize your divorce options to save time and money... Elizabeth Steen January 2, 2020
The fierceness of Mr. Rogers - from the Harvard Educational Review
Elizabeth Steen January 29, 2019 The fierceness of Mr. Rogers - from the Harvard Educational Review Elizabeth Steen January 29, 2019 Mister Rogers deployed his famous kindness and gentleness to be radically honest with generations of children about topics that can be difficult to discuss, inclu...
Mr. Roger's Simple Set of Rules For Talking to Children Can be Helpful in Talking to Your Children About Divorce
Elizabeth Steen January 6, 2019 Children and Divorce Mr. Roger's Simple Set of Rules For Talking to Children Can be Helpful in Talking to Your Children About Divorce Elizabeth Steen January 6, 2019 Children and Divorce Divorce brings up some difficult conversations. Use Mr. Roger's simple set ...
6 steps to mindfully manage emotions in a divorce
Elizabeth Steen November 16, 2018 Feel better in a Divorce 6 steps to mindfully manage emotions in a divorce Elizabeth Steen November 16, 2018 Feel better in a Divorce By Tom Parker, MD - Divorce, even a collaborative divorce, will bring up a lot of emotions. Here are six steps to mindfully man...
What is a "good" parenting plan according to the experts?
Elizabeth Steen November 15, 2018 Children and Divorce What is a "good" parenting plan according to the experts? Elizabeth Steen November 15, 2018 Children and Divorce By Josie Cusma, LCSW - It is vital that parents realize that the parenting plan will need to be adjusted as children get older...
Developmentally appropriate parenting plans
Elizabeth Steen November 15, 2018 Children and Divorce Developmentally appropriate parenting plans Elizabeth Steen November 15, 2018 Children and Divorce By The Collaborative Family Law Association - It is obvious to parents that children have different needs at different ages. It is not always...
Co-parenting during a divorce
Elizabeth Steen November 15, 2018 Children and Divorce Co-parenting during a divorce Elizabeth Steen November 15, 2018 Children and Divorce By Mitch Cohen, Mediate.com - Divorce is often a period fraught with emotions and uncertainties. While divorce is difficult for anyone involved, parents b...
Collaborative Divorce FAQ from King County Collaborative Law:
Elizabeth Steen November 12, 2018 Collaborative Divorce Collaborative Divorce FAQ from King County Collaborative Law: Elizabeth Steen November 12, 2018 Collaborative Divorce If you don't know where to start, a good first step is asking your spouse to review the information on this website. The ...