Recent Posts in the Portland Office Category

• Can You Modify Parenting Plans for the Holidays?

  Nov 17, 2023
  In Washington State, it is indeed possible to modify parenting plans for the holiday season. This is a common concern for divorced or separated parents who wish to ensure that their children can enjoy the holiday festivities with both parents. However, it's important to note that any modifications to the parenting plan require a mutual agreement between both parties or a court order. The process can be complex and often requires an understanding of specific legal procedures. Keep reading for an in-depth look at how you can ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• Benefits of Using a Forensic Accountant in a Divorce

  Oct 20, 2023
  When a couple begins the divorce process, transparency about assets is critical. This information provides the foundation for nearly every aspect of a divorce agreement, but nowhere more than property division. There can be no fair determination of which spouse receives what if there is no true accounting of the marital property. From finding hidden bank accounts to revealing the dissipation of assets, a forensic accountant’s work can result in a fairer divorce settlement Role of a Forensic Accountant Divorce lawyers lean on ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• Valuation of Real Estate in Divorce

  Oct 16, 2023
  Under Washington's community property law, assets must be divided equitably between spouses who file for divorce. Dividing assets equitably does not necessarily mean a 50/50 split between the spouses. During the divorce, both parties must take stock of the assets they own and assign a value, regardless of if the asset is in one spouse’s name or jointly owned. This process is called valuation. Although valuation of property can be fairly simple when it comes to a bank or retirement account, it can be complicated if there is ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• Who Makes Medical Decisions for Children After Divorce?

  Oct 13, 2023
  Divorce can be a challenging and emotional process, especially when there are children involved. In addition to complex emotional burdens and legal considerations, separating parents must also address practical matters, such as establishing whom the child will primarily live with and which parent retains the right to make important life decisions for their child’s safety and wellbeing, including healthcare decisions. In Washington, the question of medical decision-making largely depends on the type of child custody awarded ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• How Are Household Items Divided in a Divorce?

  Oct 9, 2023
  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 ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• Is It Possible to Have an Amicable Divorce?

  Oct 6, 2023
  When couples decide to divorce and part ways, the transition can be more difficult if the divorcing parties let their emotions get the best of them. Couples who engage in highly contested disputes during their divorces often end up spending significantly more money. Below, we explain a strategy that divorcing couples can take advantage of if they want to have an amicable divorce. Consider Using a Mediator If you want to avoid the hassle and cost of going to court to have a judge settle your disputes, then you should consider ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• Relocating With a Child After Divorce

  Oct 2, 2023
  Under Washington State law, both parents and anyone else granted visitation by the court are required to be informed if one parent plans to relocate with the child. If a child visitation rights holder, such as the other parent, grandparents, or a sibling, has visitation rights with the child, then the relocating parent must inform them when they plan to move. Washington State law establishes this obligation because everyone involved in the child’s life should be alerted about the move in advance. Below, we discuss what ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• What Happens When a Parenting Plan is Violated?

  Sep 28, 2023
  When a parent violates a court-ordered or agreed-upon parenting plan, they run the risk of being held in contempt of court. Not only that, but they could face custody and visitation-related consequences if the court considers it to be a serious and consistent enough issue. The parent could be held in contempt for the following: Intentionally and repeatedly violating visitation times Failing to return your child to the other parent on time or at all Trying to alienate your child against the other parent Refusing to allow the ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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