Family Law Blog

McKinley Irvin Blog

A little knowledge can go a long way to protect your assets and family relationships. Planning can save headaches and money, and can provide peace of mind. The articles and tips in this section of the McKinley Irvin website are intended to help you understand and prepare for some of the more common issues you’ll encounter in a divorce, child custody, or other family law matter.

Please be advised that family cases can be very complex. The information provided here should not be construed as legal advice in your case.

  • Seven MI Attorneys Listed in 2020 Best Lawyers

    Seven MI Attorneys Listed in 2020 Best Lawyers McKinley Irvin is happy to announce that seven attorneys from McKinley Irvin have been recognized for the practice of family law by Best Lawyers, the oldest peer-review publication in the legal profession. The following McKinley Irvin attorneys have been included in 2020 Best Lawyers in America list: Marc T. Christianson, Of Counsel Janet A. George, Of Counsel Elizabeth A. Michelson, Of Counsel Jennifer Payseno, Partner Laura Sell, Law Practice Managing Partner David B. Starks, Partner Gordon W. Wilcox, Of Counsel Only 31 ...
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  • What is a Divorce Settlement Conference

    What is a Divorce Settlement Conference Getting a divorce can be complicated, but most divorces settle without going to trial. To settle means that both parties (the spouses) agree upon a negotiated divorce settlement and enter the settlement with the court for approval. As part of this process, the divorcing couple may be required to participate in a divorce settlement conference. A divorce settlement conference is a proceeding used to try and settle a divorce before it goes to trial. In Washington state, depending on the jurisdiction, these conferences may be ...
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  • Co-Parenting & Discipline: How to Maintain Consistency and Compassion

    Co-Parenting & Discipline: How to Maintain Consistency and Compassion Being a parent isn’t easy, especially when you share your parenting time with your ex-spouse. The two of you may no longer be a couple, but you are both responsible for raising your child with love, consistency, and healthy boundaries. Acclimating to life as a single parent can be very difficult, especially if the divorce is causing your child to act out or if you and your ex have disagreements on how you want to parent your child. Keep in mind that you are all taking on new roles, so an adjustment period is perfectly ...
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  • McKinley Irvin Launches Branded Thought Leadership Program

    McKinley Irvin Launches Branded Thought Leadership Program McKinley Irvin is launching a branded thought leadership program for attorneys called “Did You Know?,” which will be comprised of engaging networking events. On June 26 th , we held our inaugural Did You Know? event at Friends of Waterfront Seattle. This event offered a behind-the-scenes look at Seattle’s changing waterfront—complete with Ivar’s clam chowder and an opportunity to connect with colleagues. Many thanks to Friends of Waterfront Seattle for the dynamic presentation and Ivar’s Acres of Clams for the delicious clam ...
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  • How Are Household Items Divided in a Divorce?

    How Are Household Items Divided in a Divorce? When couples go through a divorce, they must find a way to extricate themselves from one another in a way that allows them to move forward with their own lives. Although the decision to separate from one another is highly personal and emotional, there are several other changes that come with the process, including the division of your assets. In a divorce, the couple must divide their shared property, including everything big and small, from their savings funds to their furniture. Part of the divorce process is determining ...
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  • What to Do About False Allegations in Child Custody and Divorce Cases

    What to Do About False Allegations in Child Custody and Divorce Cases When your co-parent makes false accusations against you, their words, however unfounded, could seriously harm your child custody or divorce case. Whether you’re just now going through the beginning of a divorce or are rehashing a custody issue for the fifth time, any words against you, as a parent, can be particularly damaging. Accusations might allude to child abuse, lying on your legal forms, failure to adhere to custody rules, or other big problems. If you find yourself facing false allegations, make sure you know your ...
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  • MI Attorneys Listed in 2019 Oregon Super Lawyers

    MI Attorneys Listed in 2019 Oregon Super Lawyers McKinley Irvin is happy to announce that Jeff Matthews and Jack Dekovich have been included in the 2019 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists. This is Jeff’s twelfth year to be honored in Oregon Super Lawyers and Jack’s inaugural year to be named a Rising Star. Jeffrey Matthews , Partner – Oregon Super Lawyers 2007-2019 Jack Dekovich , Attorney – Oregon Rising Stars 2019 To be selected for this honor, attorneys nominate peers for their exceptional professional ability in the practice of law. The Oregon Super Lawyers list ...
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  • How To List Your Assets & Debts for Your Divorce

    How To List Your Assets & Debts for Your Divorce When it comes to preparing for your divorce, compiling a list of your assets and debts is key for the property division process. You will need to document a full list of your finances – both those shared in your marriage and any of those you own or handle independently. Why is this important? Done properly, you will be able to better negotiate a fair divorce settlement that protects you now and into the future. Done improperly, your divorce could end with a flawed division of assets and debts, leaving you to sort out the ...
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  • What Will Divorce Mean for Me: How to Understand the Impact of Divorce

    What Will Divorce Mean for Me: How to Understand the Impact of Divorce Divorce is a major decision that affects major life changes. If you are starting to consider divorcing your spouse, you may not understand the full scope of how a divorce will impact your life. Before you make any decisions, it is highly advisable that you get educated on what your options are. Why Talk to a Divorce Lawyer? Every divorce is different, so you cannot expect that your situation will play out similarly to other stories you may have heard from your friends and family. While divorce may seem commonplace, that ...
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  • 17 McKinley Irvin Attorneys Named 2019 Washington Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

    17 McKinley Irvin Attorneys Named 2019 Washington Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Congratulations to our 2019 Washington Super Lawyers & Rising Stars Today, 17 of our family law attorneys were named in the 2019 Washington Super Lawyers and Rising Stars list. Super Lawyers represents the top 5 percent of all attorneys in Washington State, based on peer nominations and a formal review. Rising Stars represents the top 2.5 percent of attorneys in the state who are under age 40 or have been practicing for less than ten years. Additionally, Janet George and David Starks have been named in the Washington “Top ...
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