Can Your Partner Refuse to Sign Divorce Papers? Yes. Your spouse can refuse to sign. In some cases, they may not agree to the terms you have set forth and may wish to pursue a contested divorce. In other cases, they may simply fail to respond to your petition for divorce altogether. In the event of a refusal to sign or respond, however, you still have options to proceed with a divorce. Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce An uncontested divorce is one where both parties agree on all matters related to the dissolution of their ..read more

When a marriage ends, dividing assets and reaching a fair settlement can be challenging. But for couples with a high net worth, the stakes are even higher. A high-asset divorce is typically one where the combined value of the marital property exceeds a certain threshold, often around $5 million, though it can vary depending on location, types of assets, and specific circumstances. These divorces involve unique complexities that require careful consideration and strategic planning. Here's why high-asset divorces are different ..read more

Religion can be a significant factor in a child's upbringing, often influencing their values, behaviors, and worldview. In Washington State's diverse landscape, parents may come from various religious backgrounds, each with its own set of traditions, practices, and holidays. This diversity can present challenges when creating parenting plans following a separation or divorce. According to RCW 26.09.184, the parenting plan shall specify how decision-making authority is allocated between the parents regarding the children's ..read more

McKinley Irvin appeared in the April 2024 issue of Forbes magazine “Fortune & Forbes” section. The interview featured McKinley Irvin CEO and founding partner Rita Herrera Irvin, and the firm’s innovative approach to family law. Read the article here ..read more

In Washington state, child support is designed to financially assist with raising children after separation or divorce. But how does it impact taxes? Child Support Is Not Taxable Child support is considered a transfer of resources between parents, not income for the receiving parent. This means the IRS doesn't see it as taxable income. The custodial parent can still claim the child as a dependent on their tax return. This can translate to tax benefits like the Child Tax Credit, offering additional financial support for ..read more

Understanding Marriage Validity Marriage validity refers to the legal recognition of a marital union in the eyes of the law. It is crucial for a marriage to be valid to ensure that both parties are afforded the legal rights and obligations that come with matrimony. Common misconceptions often stem from the misunderstanding that simply living together or having a religious ceremony without a legal civil contract constitutes a valid marriage. In reality, the precise requirements for a valid marriage vary from state to state ..read more

McKinley Irvin is proud to announce that partners Mark Arend and Brent Bohan are now fellows of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML). Established in 1962, the AAML is dedicated to fostering leadership that upholds the highest standards of professionalism and excellence within the practice of family law. Academy Fellows are selected based on their proficiency in negotiating and litigating matrimonial and family law matters, as well as their recognition among judges and peers as leading practitioners. Fellowship ..read more

Co-parenting refers to a parenting situation where two parents work together to raise a child even though they are divorced, separated, or no longer living together. In an effective co-parenting setting, both parents maintain their responsibilities toward the child's upbringing, each playing an integral role despite their individual living circumstances or the nature of their personal relationship. The importance of successful co-parenting cannot be understated: it is crucial for a child's mental and emotional well-being ..read more

Deciding to file for divorce or legal separation can be a difficult decision that carries serious legal implications for everyone involved. Although people sometimes assume that divorce is the only way out of a marriage they are no longer satisfied with, a legal separation can provide strong protection that is similar to divorce. In some scenarios, it’s actually advantageous if the couple chooses legal separation over divorce. Keep reading to find out why it might make more sense to legally separate from your spouse instead ..read more

McKinley Irvin is pleased to announce that Tacoma Partner Samuel Page has been appointed as a Commissioner Pro Tempore in Pierce County Superior Court. As a Commissioner Pro Tempore, Sam will be called to preside over matters when a sitting Commissioner is unavailable. Candidates for this role are typically selected based on various criteria, including their depth of experience and knowledge, their adeptness in objectively interpreting legal matters, and their capacity to exhibit a judicious demeanor under pressure. Sam has ..read more