Articles | Seattle Divorce Services

Can Child Support be Retroactive in Washington State?

One of the most common questions we receive when parents are divorcing is whether the court will require payment of retroactive or “back” child support. This question often arises in situations where the parents have been separated for a significant period of time prior to beginning divorce or custo...

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...

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

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

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...

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...

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...

Breaking Down Custody & Visitation for Grandparents & Other Relatives

Under certain circumstances grandparents and other relatives can seek custody or visitation rights, but should tread carefully before doing so as there is also great potential for making things worse and ending up with even less contact with the children than before. The standards for custody and...

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...