Can I Modify My Spousal Support?

In Washington, spousal support, also known as alimony or maintenance, is modifiable under some conditions. First, the decree of divorce must have NOT ordered non-modifiable spousal support. Second, there must be a "substantial change of circumstances". I would add, however, that in my experience, s...

How Are Retirement Benefits Divided in Divorce?

This might also be titled "What is a QDRO?", but the answer is really bigger than that. Some people assume that because retirement benefits were earned by the one party and is in her or his name, it is not subject to division. In fact, retirement benefits are considered community property and so...

How Do I Get More Time with My Children?

We often hear from parents who are unhappy with their current parenting plan and want to have more time with their children. While the standard you have to meet for modifying a parenting plan is a tough one, there are several options to consider:...
How Long Does Divorce Take

How Long Does a Divorce Take?

I cannot speak as to other states, but in Washington State there is a minimum 90 day long waiting period from the time the divorce case is filed with the court until the time that the court can finalize the divorce. However, that requires the parties to have reached agreement on all issues and ha...

How Can I Keep The Cost Of My Divorce Down?

Let me start out by cautioning that divorce is not a cheap process. But one of the things that hugely affects the ultimate cost is the amount of fighting. Many a King has emptied the treasury (i.e. gone broke) by fighting endless wars. Here are a few tips for keeping your costs down:...

Do Children Get a Say In Custody?

Under Washington law, children do not get to determine their custody arrangements. They may, however, get some chance to influence the court's decision. I have never seen a court allow a child to testify directly in court, as the court tries to avoid putting the children in the middle of the divorc...

Can I Get Sole Custody?

In Washington State we do not generally discuss parenting in terms of "custody". Normally in this state, the parents share custody of the children; i.e. both parents continue to be involved in raising the children. One parent might have the children more of the time (often referred to as the "prima...

What is a Status Conference?

When a divorce case is filed with the court in King County (the county we do most of our work in), the court issues a case schedule with a number of dates and deadlines on it. One item on the case schedule that many people have questions about is the Status Conference....

What is Early Mediation?

Early Mediation is typically an intervention early in the case to try and keep from going into litigation.  In other words, it is an attempt to see if the parties can work cooperatively to resolve the case before heading down the adversarial path.  At this stage in the case, the parties are wanting...

When Do We Need to Litigate?

Some couples are able to engage in a peaceful dispute resolution process such as Collaboration or facilitative Mediation to work out their own divorce agreements. However, for other couples that may not be a realistic option, in which case, it may be necessary to litigate. Litigation means using the...