Divorce is an emotionally charged process, and in many cases, it can be contentious. However, it does not have to be if the parties are committed to making it easier for everyone. Divorce, by its very nature, is likely to have unpleasant aspects. Know that your...
High-Asset Divorce
What issues will you face during a contested divorce?
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...
Divorce and High Tech Stock Awards: Don’t Let Yourself Be Shorted
A common legal issue that arises during a divorce when one spouse is employed by a high tech company is how to divide future stock awards, stock options or similar employee benefits. Clearly stock awards can be a valuable asset, sometimes adding up to millions of...
Divorce can be bad news for real estate investors
For many people in the state of Washington, real estate is their business. This type of business can sometimes unintentionally become a shared asset with one’s spouse. In the event of divorce, this means that real estate investors may find their spouses trying to...
What is considered community property in a divorce?
Many states follow the equitable distribution method for asset division when couples divorce. Washington, however, sets community property as the rule of law, which can be a bit confusing to some. What is and what is not considered community property? What qualifies...
Understanding the complexities of a high asset divorce
On the surface, divorce proceedings for high net worth couples are the same as other divorces; assets are disclosed, valued and divided. However, what makes them much different is that many of the assets involved are more complicated. These relationships often contain...
Fight for a just and comprehensive divorce settlement
When dissolving a marriage in Washington, the property division phase of the process can be the toughest part for some residents to get through. You may have ideas of what you want to get out of the divorce, but you may find yourself struggling to get exactly what you...
Is inherited money shared or separate property?
As Washington is a community property state, many believe that all assets acquired during a marriage are marital property and subject to division in divorce. However, that is not completely true. Some assets may be deemed separate property — such as inherited money....
Mediation can work in high-asset divorce cases
When you think about divorce, do you picture a scene of couples fighting openly in court? While some divorcing spouses require messy litigation to get through the dissolution process, many couples in Washington can avoid it by utilizing an alternative dispute...
Are restricted stock units community or separate property?
As many married couples are already aware, Washington is a community property state. This means that all assets acquired during a marriage are typically subject to division should a couple choose to divorce, unless specified otherwise within a prenuptial agreement....