Washington State does not recognize common-law marriages. However, cohabitating couples in Washington have another option: proving they are in a “committed intimate relationship” (CIR). The legal rights of unmarried couples living together in a CIR are similar, but not identical, to the rights of legally...
Washington State courts place strong emphasis on the best interests of children in divorce proceedings. The most desirable outcome for couples who are willing to coparent may be a shared custody arrangement with an agreed-upon schedule and cooperation regarding major decisions such as schooling, health...
When you and your partner have concluded that your marriage is irretrievably broken and you initiate divorce proceedings, you’re faced with a cascade of additional important decisions. If you have children, their best interests are at the top of the list. The next set of important...
Divorce, even amicable ones, brings major life changes to every member of the family. When kids are involved, their best interests must guide your decisions about custody and parenting. In Washington State, divorcing parents file parenting plans that spell out how you’ll settle major life decisions....
Sometimes getting a divorce is the best option for all involved parties, and it is better to accept that than for the parties to be hostile to one another upon separation. However, when exes are not amicable toward one another, the legal process becomes even...
All families are unique, which means family rights look a little different from household to household. In Washington state, unmarried couples have most of the same parenting rights as married couples. However, there are a few details that couples must plan for when establishing custody,...
It is hard on everyone when parents decide to divorce. In-laws have to deal with ruptured relationships, friends have to determine how they’ll communicate with each party, and the divorcees must confront what life will look like upon separation. However, almost everyone would agree that...
The COVID-19 pandemic transformed life as we know it. Schools were forced to shut their doors, and no one left their homes. Unfortunately, another thing that happened was that millions of people lost their jobs. Losing a job has been especially detrimental for divorced parents...
The past year and a half have been grueling. The COVID-19 pandemic transformed every aspect of American life. Children began e-learning, millions of people started working remotely, and only essential workers were allowed to continue their work as usual. Another thing that has changed as...
A lot has changed in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. From running errands to going on vacation, things look very different. Spousal support is just one of the many family court issues that has seen changes throughout the pandemic. However, a new and uncertain...