In Washington, courts strive for an equitable distribution of marital property during a divorce. Remember that divorce requires that couples not only divide assets but also tackle debt division, which significantly affects their future finances. Courts address several types of debts in divorce proceedings, including mortgages, car loans, credit card debts and personal loans. Types of debts in divorce During divorce, courts consider all debts acquired during the marriage as marital debts and divide them between the spouses. However, debts incurred before the marriage typically remain the respon ..read more

Divorce is often a challenging and emotional journey, and maintaining privacy during this time is important for many individuals. In recent years, mediation has emerged as a popular alternative to traditional courtroom proceedings. Mediation is an effective process that provides a way to protect and safeguard your privacy during a divorce. What is mediation? Mediation is a process in which a neutral third party helps couples resolve their issues outside of court. Instead of airing personal matters in a public courtroom, mediation allows couples to discuss their concerns in a confidential setti ..read more

When a parent fails to pay child support as ordered by the court, it can have serious consequences. In fact, it can have negative impacts on their credit report. If you owe child support, it is important to understand how missing payments could affect your credit as well as your life. The consequences Credit reporting agencies keep track of individuals’ financial behaviors, such as paying bills on time and managing debts. The Washington Legislature says that when a parent falls behind on child support payments, the Division of Child Support may report this to credit bureaus. This can result in ..read more

Custodial interference occurs when one parent disrupts the custody rights of the other parent by withholding or interfering with the agreed-upon visitation schedule. This can have a significant impact on both parents. Most importantly, interference can affect the well-being of the children involved. It is important for parents dealing with child custody matters to carefully review this issue. The impact on parents According to the Washington Legislature, custodial interference occurs when a parent denies the other parent access to their child in violation of a court order. For parents, custodi ..read more

Divorce can be a challenging time for anyone involved, but it does not always have to be contentious. One method that often gets misunderstood is divorce mediation. Mediation always leads to reconciliation In 2022, many of the 989,518 divorces sought less contentious solutions without reconciliation strategies. One common misconception about divorce mediation is that its primary goal is to reconcile the couple. However, mediation facilitates communication and encourages agreements on important issues. Reconciliation is not the main objective of mediation. Mediation is only for amicable divorce ..read more

Divorce or separation can bring about significant financial changes, especially when it comes to supporting your children. Child support is a central aspect of ensuring your child’s well-being, but what happens when child support goes unpaid? It is important for parents to realize how unpaid support can impact different aspects of their lives, including their careers. Child support enforcement Failing to make child support payments can have significant consequences. The receiving parent can take action to enforce the payment. According to the Department of Social and Health Services, this may ..read more

Child custody battles can be emotionally draining and complex. While navigating this process, many people make mistakes that can affect the outcome. Awareness of common errors can help you avoid these issues and work towards a favorable situation for your children. Not prioritizing the children’s needs The court’s primary concern is the well-being and best interests of the children. Any decisions you make should focus on what is best for them, not what is most convenient or desirable for you. Throughout the process, consider their emotional needs, such as stability and healthy relationships wi ..read more

When couples decide to end their marriage, the division of marital assets becomes a key aspect of the process. Inherited property often raises questions about its inclusion in this division. Inclusion of inherited property In Washington, inherited property is typically separate property. This means that if one spouse inherits property during the marriage, it may not be part of the marital assets subject to division. Influencing factors The timing of the inheritance plays a role in determining if the property is part of the marital assets. If the inheritance occurs before the marriage, it is mo ..read more

Determining child support payments is an important aspect of divorce or separation cases involving children. In Washington State, the financial well-being of the child takes priority. As circumstances change, the need to modify child support payment amounts may arise. Understanding the process and criteria for modification is necessary for parents navigating these situations. Substantial change in circumstances To modify child support payments in Washington State, a substantial change in circumstances must have taken place. This change could be related to income, employment status, health care ..read more

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of arbitrators, mediators and conciliators is on track to increase by 5% over the next 10 years. This is more than the average of most occupations, which is 3%. This statistic highlights the impact that mediators have in handling disputes, including divorce. When there are children in the marriage, the mediation process can be a better way to dissolve a marriage and has many great benefits for your children. Reduced conflict Mediation is great because it manages conflict and reduces fighting, which is necessary for keeping your child ..read more