Olympia, WA - Does Washington State Have Common Law Marriage? - Seattle Divorce Services

Does Washington Have Common Law Marriage?

Many couples live together for a long time, accumulate property, and even have children, all without getting married. While this isn’t all that unusual, there are a number of misconceptions revolving around these situations and what it means when the couple separates. If you are unmarried but separa...

How is Child Support Calculated When We Have Equal Parenting?

  When parents used to divorce, the typical arrangement used to be that one parent (typically the mother) would be awarded primary custody of the children while the other parent would have visitation rights. The parent with visitation rights would then pay child support to the parent with pr...
Judge Pro Tem - banging gavel

What Is A Commissioner or Judge Pro Tem?

You may have heard the terms “Judge Pro Tem” or “Commissioner Pro Tem” in the context of family law cases. Like many legal terms, these words are perhaps made more obscure by the use of latin. However, you do not need to be alarmed - it is not nearly as complicated as it sounds. A Seattle family law...
Moving Out-of-State and Custody

Moving Out-of-State and Custody

When getting divorced and negotiating custody, it’s impossible to foresee everything that the future will bring. You have to make custody arrangements based on your current situation and what’s best for your child. Months or years later, however, you or your ex-spouse may be considering moving out o...
Back-to-School Tips for Co-Parents

Back-to-School Tips for Co-Parents

The summer is over, and our kids are back in school. Whether you are newly divorced, or your children are just starting school, the beginning of the school year can be a difficult transition for everyone. Divorcing and divorced parents face some additional challenges, but the good news is that with...
Child participating in supervised visitation.

Breaking Down Supervised Visitation in Seattle

Visitation and custody issues are decided based on what is in the best interests of the child. In a contested case, the court will listen to the evidence presented and then enter a parenting plan that they believe will best meet the child’s needs, including their safety and general welfare. While su...

Can I Get an Annulment in Washington?

Annulments in Washington State Divorce and legal separation are the most common options that people choose for dissolving their marriages. However, there are situations where one or both spouses may decide to pursue an annulment, often for social or religious reasons. Unfortunately, annulments are...
Couple moving in together

Do I Need a Cohabitation Agreement?

Moving in together is a big step for every couple, whether married or not. However, for couples who aren’t married, living together can present a number of challenges if the relationship doesn’t work out. No one wants to plan for the end of a relationship especially when things are going well, but a...
Professional helping a divorcing couple

Who Participates in the Collaborative Divorce Process?

A collaborative divorce is one that is more of a negotiation than other divorce proceedings. Since the former spouses are working together to resolve the marriable amicably, several professionals are often needed to assist with the decision-making process. This post outlines the roles of the individ...
visitation arrangements

Unusual Visitation Arrangements Parents Face

When it comes to establishing a post-divorce parenting plan, there really is no “normal” or standard arrangement for custody and visitation. Parenting plans and visitation agreements should be drafted in the best interests of the child with the goal of reaching an arrangement where the child has a b...
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