Areas of Practice

DIVORCE

In Washington, a divorce action is called a "Dissolution of Marriage." A court order granting a dissolution "dissolves" the marital relationship so that the benefits and obligations of marriage no longer exist between the parties. Washington is a "no-fault" state, which means that the requesting party does not need to prove bad conduct by the other party to obtain the divorce. The final dissolution decree and associated orders will address the issues of the division of community property and liabilities that were accumulated during the marriage, as well as entering provisions for the care of the children of the marriage.

A "Legal Separation" is also possible. This action provides for the division of property and liabilities and child related provisions, but does not dissolve the marital relationship.

Alimony/Spousal Support

In a dissolution of marriage or legal separation, money may be paid by one party to the other for a temporary time to help the latter to obtain retraining or re-establishment in a field of employment. This is also seen as equalizing the disposable incomes of the parties after a long term marriage..

Child Custody - Modification of Parenting Plan & Non-parental custody

In Washington, a "Parenting Plan" is entered in a dissolution of marriage or legal separation action to allocate the parental responsibilities of the parties. It contains a detailed plan of who will take care of the children over the course of a typical year. The primary custodian has the care of the children for more than 50% of a calendar year. Both parents are expected to participate and contribute to the children's upbringing by being involved in making decisions concerning the child's educational, medical, religious and other important issues of the child's life.

Child Support - Modification of Child Support

In a dissolution of marriage or legal separation, child support is money paid by one spouse to the other to help the primary custodian with the expenses of housing and caring for the children. Washington state law controls the calculation of this amount, based on the incomes of the two parents.

Other Areas

Domestic Violence
Restraining Orders
Criminal Defense
Real Estate
Elder Law