The end of a marriage is a complex process, and it can be even more difficult when you and the other party are unable to negotiate terms on your settlement. If there are significant disputes remaining, and you are facing a contested divorce, it may be in your...
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Family Law
How difficult is it to change your child custody order?
Divorce will bring many changes in your life, and it is likely you will continue to experience changes well after your divorce is final. There are times when changes in your circumstances can affect your ability to adhere to the terms of your current custody order,...
In a DIY world, why hire a divorce attorney?
There are certain projects the average person can complete satisfactorily on their own without consulting professionals, and there are others where the do-it-yourself mentality may not serve them well. A DIY divorce, for example, may not be in one’s best interests....
What does a father have to do to establish paternity in Washington?
Having rights to one’s child seems like something no one should have to fight for, but every year, plenty of fathers in the state of Washington find themselves in that very position. If a child is born to unmarried parents, then the father will need to formally...
Parental alienation in Washington
In a "best case" divorce scenario, both parents are friendly and amicable with one another, sharing parenting responsibilities and acting in their child's best interest. Unfortunately, many divorces are not amicable, and parental alienation can result. What is...
Decree of validity for a marriage occurring prior to divorce in another marriage
This blog discusses the law and procedure to obtain a court order declaring the validity of a marriage that was mistakenly entered into prior to the termination of another marriage. A decree of validity of marriage may resolve immigration issues that could arise in a...
Stalking as a form of domestic violence in Washington state
Domestic violence is defined in Washington State to include any form of violence, words or actions that convey a threat, blocking, stalking and cyberstalking. This Legal Guide discusses the concept of stalking as a form of domestic violence. Other forms of DV are...
There is no right to a jury trial in termination of parental rights cases
The constitutional right to a jury trial does not apply to all cases Most people know that there is a federal constitutional right to a jury trial. This right universally applies to all criminal cases, and most civil cases like personal injury, contract disputes, and...
Contempt of court
Contempt of court defined Contempt of court is defined as intentional disobedience of a lawful court order. RCW 7.21.010(1)(b). "'Punishment for contempt of court is within the sound discretion of the judge so ruling." Schuster v. Schuster, 90 Wn.2d 626, 630, 585 P.2d...