Most people think they know what's going to happen in a courtroom. They will have a chance to tell their story to a judge who will decide. A lawyer will fight for them. And some fair result will come from the process. That's how criminal law generally works. It's the process we've all seen play...
It's important to avoid fighting about child support as much as you can. Children who watch their parents fight about paying for children's expenses can grow up to be adults who won't voice their needs because they see those needs as a source of conflict. This is tough when both households are ...
Everyone deserves a clear picture of the process and steps to get a divorce. It can be difficult to explain clearly, however, because there are different ways to get divorced. Here are the three large categories: 1) Uncontested, court forms only: Either you or a paralegal fill out your court fo...
Addiction creates extra challenges during a divorce process. It's important to lower the anxiety, avoid ultimatums, and help the addict take on as much responsibility as they can. This can all be managed with compassion, and the process can help everyone in the family.
A Settlement Agreement/CR2A can help both parents feel more comfortable with their child support options in a Seattle divorce.
You can avoid the hassles of a GAL or Parent Coordinator and take more control over your court process with an out-of-court, amicable divorce.
The Washington Family Law Handbook can help you learn everything about the divorce process in Seattle and Washington. Here is a link and let us know if you have any questions.
Online records help partners be transparent and open as they divide their assets during a divorce.
I have worked with families affected by domestic violence for about 20 years. Every situation is different, but generally, if your divorce is affected by domestic violence, the following things will likely apply: 1) Listen to your gut. Do not allow anyone to guilt you with something like, "If yo...
Plan ahead to help one spouse stay in the house you bought during your marriage. Here are some steps you can take for an easier transition.
A DVPO can increase fees in a divorce up to and beyond six figures, without having much effect, if any, on child support or a visitation schedule for your children. Some parents find a private, out of court process suits their needs better, depending on the circumstances.
The divorce process can be straightforward and fair. Here is the checklist for a divorce with children in Seattle/King County.
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.
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.
Why does a divorce cost so much? And why is there such a big difference in what various firms charge?
Focusing on the future, and going easy on yourself, will help you and your children move forward in a positive way.
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, ...
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.
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...
Use a CR2A/Settlement Agreement to keep your house in a divorce.
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.
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.
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...
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 ...
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...
Divorce Without Court: Westside Collaborative Law PLLC is committed to answering your questions about divorce law issues in Seattle.
We offer a free consultation and we’ll gladly discuss your case with you at your convenience. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.