Articles | Seattle Divorce Services

7 Important Facts to Know Before You Sign an Acknowledgement of Parentage in Washington

While parentage is presumed in many cases, there are still various circumstances in which a father might not be legally recognized as his child’s parent under Washington law. For fathers who are not presumed to be their child’s parent, signing an Acknowledgment of Parentage is one option for legally...

Children and Divorce - The Rules - Seattle Divorce Services

Washington’s “Best Interests” Factors for Determining Child Custody in a Divorce or Separation

When going through a divorce or separation with children, developing a parenting plan with the help of an experienced Seattle child custody lawyer is among the most important parts of the process. Parents need to ensure that their children’s needs will be met after their divorce or separation, and t...

When is Paternity Presumed in Washington (and What if It Isn’t)?

Under Washington law, paternity is presumed in certain circumstances. When paternity is presumed, no further action is required to legally identify the child’s father. However, there are also certain circumstances in which paternity is not presumed, and when this is the case, one or both parents mus...

Legal Separation in Washington State: Here’s What You Need to Know

Legal separation is an alternative to divorce for couples who wish to live separately while remaining legally married. In the State of Washington, legal separation follows a legal process that provides many of the same protections and arrangements as divorce, including property division, spousal sup...

The Challenges Facing Unmarried Couples with Children in Washington State

In today’s society, many couples choose to raise children without being legally married. While societal attitudes toward unmarried parents have evolved, numerous legal, financial, and social challenges remain, especially in states like Washington. Below, our Seattle child custody lawyer explores som...

Dispelling 7 Common Myths About Paternity in Washington State

Paternity is a significant legal and emotional issue, often surrounded by misunderstandings and myths. Whether you're a father seeking to establish parental rights, a mother looking to secure child support, or a child needing clarity about parentage, understanding the truth about paternity is essent...

Custody and Visitation Issues in Seattle: Tips for Planning for the Holidays

The holidays can be a joyous time, but for separated or divorced parents, this season often brings an added layer of complexity. Custody and visitation issues can feel particularly challenging as families work to accommodate holiday traditions, travel plans, and unique celebrations. In Seattle, pare...

Seattle Family Lawyer Discusses the Top 10 Family Law Myths

Family law is a deeply personal and often misunderstood area of the legal system. When families are facing challenges like divorce, child custody disputes, or spousal support negotiations, they are often bombarded with misinformation. These misconceptions can create unnecessary stress and confusion,...

How Divorce Can Impact Your Credit

Divorce is a challenging and emotional process, and its financial implications can be just as complicated, especially when it comes to your credit. In Seattle, as in the rest of the U.S., divorce itself doesn’t directly affect your credit score since credit reports do not indicate marital status. Ho...

Tips for Managing Conflict During a Divorce

Divorce is generally one of the most emotionally charged and conflict-ridden experiences that a person can go through. It can be a time when everyone is on edge, and you will have arguably more conflict with your ex than you ever have before. Property division, child custody, and child support are j...