McKinley Irvin Blogs from March 2013

• Dividing Retirement Funds in Divorce

  Mar 25, 2013
  In a divorce, retirement funds, retirement plans, mutual funds, and benefits are commonly a family's largest assets and often become a hot topic of contention. Any portion of a retirement fund earned during marriage will generally be considered marital property, which may be divided during a divorce. In Washington state, retirement funds earned during marriage are considered the community property of both spouses. A document known as the QDRO (Qualified Domestic Relations Order) provides a former spouse the right to around ...
  Posted By David Starks
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• How to Successfully Co-Parent After a Divorce

  Mar 20, 2013
  The divorce process is confusing and stressful for all families, but particularly so for families with young children. It is often difficult for newly separated parents to determine what kind of long-term parenting arrangement will be best for their children once each parent has established a separate household. In family law cases involving children, the court's primary concern is with the best interests of the children. This should be your primary concern as well. Here are some tips that will not only put you in a strong ...
  Posted By Elizabeth A. Hoffman
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• Choosing the Right Family Law Attorney for You

  Mar 11, 2013
  I think I may need an attorney. Imagine: You find yourself at a crossroads with your current or former significant other. Perhaps you’ve just been served with dissolution papers, or maybe your child's other parent was recently arrested and your custodial arrangement needs modifying. Whatever the case may be, you think long and hard, and come to the conclusion you need the assistance of an attorney. There are many things to consider. In domestic disputes, any number of factors can influence the decision to obtain a family ...
  Posted By Jamie R. Walker
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• How to Get a Domestic Violence Protection Order in King County

  Mar 7, 2013
  Domestic violence is a term applied to a range of violent, controlling or coercive behaviors occurring in certain personal relationships. Domestic violence can occur between spouses, intimate or domestic partners, parents of a common child, blood-related family members, couples who are dating, roommates, parents and children, or step-parents and step-children. Domestic violence is not limited to physical violence; stalking, threatening, or controlling behaviors are also considered to be acts of domestic violence. If you are ...
  Posted By Elizabeth A. Hoffman
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• How Do Valuations on Assets Work in Divorce Cases?

  Mar 5, 2013
  Nearly every divorce involves the divvying up of assets between soon-to-be ex-spouses. Whether the final distribution is accomplished by agreement of the parties, or ordered by a judge after a trial, the objective is the same: a fair distribution of marital assets. An accurate understanding of the extent and the value of your marital property is essential to achieving a truly fair division of assets between you and your spouse. Divvying Up Assets The values of liquid assets - such as checking, savings, or money market ...
  Posted By Marc T. Christianson
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