Columbia Family Divorce Law Blog

The fastest way to get a divorce is for both people to come to an agreement on everything and file a divorce petition divorce and joinder (legal agreement stating you are both on the same page). Both parties must agree on assets, debts, and spousal maintenance.

Divorce is never an easy process, even when two spouses resolve to work together to end their marriage amicably. If you and your spouse want to avoid the cost and contention often associated with a traditional divorce, you may consider one of the many options available to you for alternate dispute resolution.

You know that the decision to end your marriage will impact your entire family, including your children. The changes brought by divorce are sure to affect the kids, perhaps most of all, which is why many Washington parents take intentional steps to make sure they provide their kids with as much stability and security as possible during this time.

In the past, Washington courts tended to give preference to the mother when deciding which parent should have the children after a divorce. There was an assumption that the mother would provide the children with the highest quality of care, and dads would often receive minimal visitation opportunities – for example, alternate weekends.

The end of a marriage is a complex process, and it can be even more difficult when you and the other party are unable to negotiate terms on your settlement. If there are significant disputes remaining, and you are facing a contested divorce, it may be in your interests to learn more about how you can protect your long-term well-being.

As you consider divorce and its potential implications for your life, you may not want a divorce, but also may not want to remain in living together. Many Washington couples choose to file a Petition for Legal Separation instead, giving themselves the opportunity to live apart with clearly defined rights and duties without a divorce.

Divorce affects so many aspects of a person’s life. One of them includes taxes, which may come as an afterthought compared with bubbling up emotions, child custody matters and claims to assets that surface.

The relocations, the lengthy periods apart and the arguments were factors that led you to pursue the divorce of your spouse, a longtime member of the U.S. military. Among your concerns are whether you can secure a portion of your spouse’s military pension. You can.

Being a grandparent can be a joyous time in your life. You may envision an exciting future of playdates and adventures from the moment they are born.

A common legal issue that arises during a divorce when one spouse is employed by a high tech company is how to divide future stock awards, stock options or similar employee benefits. Clearly stock awards can be a valuable asset, sometimes adding up to millions of dollars.