McKinley Irvin Blogs from November 2022

• Negotiating Spousal Support

  Nov 29, 2022
  Discussing the terms of spousal maintenance with an ex is never a comfortable experience. Spousal support negotiations can be one of the most difficult aspects of divorce proceedings, which is why it is important that both spouses carefully analyze each other’s situations to figure out what terms are appropriate for their future needs. Before you start negotiating a spousal maintenance agreement, you need to make sure you have a good understanding of your own personal finances. Carefully examine your monthly income and ...
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• How Separate Property Can Become Community Property

  Nov 28, 2022
  In a community property state like Washington, any property or other asset acquired during a marriage becomes the equal property of both parties. Each spouse may also have separate property they bring into the marriage. In a simplified situation, a divorcing couple splits their community property while retaining their separate property. Not all divorces are simple, however. If separate property is commingled with community property , that once-separate property can be subject to division in a divorce . Transmutation of ...
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• Thanksgiving After Divorce: 3 Tips for Co-Parents

  Nov 15, 2022
  While divorce can be a struggle for families with children all throughout the year, Thanksgiving can be a particularly difficult time when parents can’t celebrate the holiday with their kids. The first few Thanksgivings can be especially tough for divorced families as they adjust to their new normal. Below, we explain three strategies that can help you cope with the new reality of being a co-parent during the holiday season. Tip #1: Stick to Your Parenting Schedule There are a variety of ways co-parents can divide up ...
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• Split Custody Is Possible if in the Child’s Best Interests

  Nov 8, 2022
  The guiding principle for all child custody decisions in Washington State is the best interests of the child and not what is optimal for the parents. Custody must determine three aspects: How much time the child spends with each parent Which parent(s) has decision-making authority for the child A detailed parenting plan establishes how the parents will co-parent their child, from holiday schedules to medical treatments. When a divorcing couple has more than one child together, the residential schedule generally applies to ...
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• What to Know About International Child Custody

  Nov 7, 2022
  Child custody cases are never easy, but if you and your co-parent live in different countries, dealing with joint custody or visitation can be quite complicated. The U.S. Census Bureau tells us that international marriages are becoming more and more common, which means there will be more children born of parents from different countries. Our modern society has become much more global, which can be beneficial for several reasons, but it presents very specific challenges in child custody cases. Joint physical custody could be ...
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• U.S. News Recognizes McKinley Irvin in 2023 “Best Law Firms” for Family Law

  Nov 3, 2022
  McKinley Irvin is proud to be recognized for professional excellence in this year’s U.S. News–Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms.” Ranked as a Tier 1 law firm in the Seattle metropolitan area for Family Law, 2023 marks the 12 th consecutive year the firm has been honored with this distinction. Firms included in the Best Law Firms list have received persistently impressive ratings from clients and peers. To be eligible for “Best Law Firms,” a firm must have at least one lawyer listed in The Best Lawyers in America. Eight McKinley ...
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