Recent Posts in the Portland Office Category

• Understanding Grandparents’ Visitation Rights in Washington

  Jun 5, 2023
  Child custody can be one of the most stressful parts of a Washington divorce. From evaluating parental fitness to addressing instances of child abuse or neglect, establishing custodial rights and visitation schedules can be nerve-racking for the whole family. From parents to grandparents to aunts and uncles, the vast majority of relatives truly want what’s best for children after divorce . Fortunately, this is exactly what Washington courts desire, too. Rest assured that the judge will always determine child custody ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• Choosing Which Parent to Live With After Divorce or Separation

  Jun 1, 2023
  When parents go through divorce or separation , children sometimes have strong opinions regarding custody . In Washington, there are certain situations in which a child's preference can impact a court’s custody decision. If divorcing or separating parents can't agree on a custody arrangement for their children, a judge might require them to attend mediation . If mediation doesn’t resolve the issue, the parents will have to go to court, where a judge will decide on a parenting plan based on the child's best interests. ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• How Spousal Support Is Determined in Washington Divorces

  May 26, 2023
  Going through a divorce is an emotionally taxing experience. In addition to processing personal feelings, there are many technical areas to consider. Issues like property division , child support , and child custody can be major points of contention and even hostility during divorce proceedings. Another factor to be decided in a Washington divorce is spousal support . Also known as maintenance or alimony, spousal support refers to court-ordered payments that one spouse makes to the other after a divorce. Keep reading to ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• Importance of Hiring an Alternative Dispute Resolution Lawyer

  May 22, 2023
  For the vast majority of people, going through a divorce is rarely easy. From heated litigation in court to negotiating issues like spousal support and child custody , divorce proceedings can take a heavy toll on the well-being of Washington families, often leading to increased stress and high-running emotions in family courts. Fortunately, it’s possible for couples to avoid a contentious divorce. Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is a popular way to resolve family law disputes. ADR options can provide families with the ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• 10 Tips for a Low Cost Divorce

  May 15, 2023
  A divorce can be costly, both financially and emotionally. While it is impossible to predict the total cost of your divorce, there are strategies you can use to actively manage your legal fees. Here are some guidelines to minimize both the financial and emotional consequences of ending your marriage. While it is impossible to forecast how much your legal matter will cost you, we can actively manage your legal costs every day. Here are some strategies to minimize both the emotional and financial costs of divorce. 1. Figure ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• Dividing Business Assets in a Divorce

  May 3, 2023
  Breaking up (a business) is hard to do. The number of small and closely-held businesses has increased over the years-and so has the number of business assets in need of allocation or division in divorce proceedings. This can make a divorce much more complex. There are three scenarios that can typically occur when dividing a business in a divorce: Most often: The business is awarded to the spouse with the greater involvement and the other spouse is compensated. Sometimes: The court can order the business to be sold and the ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• What Should I Ask for in a Divorce Settlement?

  May 1, 2023
  The division of property is a difficult aspect of the divorce process. It includes the family home, any other shared real estate, vehicles, funds in bank accounts or trusts, investments, stock options, retirement benefits, pensions, and business interests. With so much at stake, it is important to know what to ask for when in the process of negotiating a divorce settlement. In addition to the immediate outcome and changes to your life, this agreement will have lasting effects on your future. Know Your Case Being familiar ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• Preparing for Divorce After Financial Abuse in Marriage

  Apr 24, 2023
  Financial abuse in marriage can have devastating and lasting impacts on an individual’s health and wellbeing, even after filing for divorce . Sadly, this form of marital abuse can be difficult to detect, as abusive spouses often resort to tactics that are subtle and easily hidden in plain sight. While no one deserves to experience the fear and powerlessness of being financially abused by a partner, there are various ways for survivors of financial abuse to prioritize their safety and recover financial independence after ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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