Recent News

For many years, prenuptial agreements were viewed as tools reserved for the wealthy—a way to protect family fortunes, inherited assets, or business interests. Today, however, that conversation is changing. Increasingly, couples are using prenuptial agreements not simply to protect what they already have, but to address the financial realities of modern marriage and family life.… Read More

Not long ago, most domestic adoption matches occurred through agencies, attorneys, personal referrals, or even ads taken out in the local newspaper.  Today, many prospective adoptive parents find themselves navigating a very different landscape. Facebook groups, adoption networking sites, online profiles, and social media platforms have transformed the way adoptive families and expectant parents connect.… Read More

One of the first questions most prospective adoptive parents ask is simple: "How much does adoption cost?"  Unfortunately, the answer is not always simple. Unlike many major life purchases, adoption expenses can vary significantly depending on the professionals involved, the circumstances of the adoption, and whether the placement occurs within Washington or another state. For… Read More

One of the most valuable financial benefits available to adoptive families is the federal Adoption Tax Credit. This tax benefit can help offset many of the costs associated with building your family through adoption. For adoptions finalized in 2026, eligible families may claim a federal Adoption Tax Credit of up to $17,670 per child, subject… Read More

For families considering adoption, the concept of open adoption can feel unfamiliar and overwhelming. Early in the process, uncertainty about the future and the impact of an open relationship drives most of my client’s questions: -Will the birth parents be involved in our child's life forever? -How much contact will we be expected to maintain?… Read More

For many families, domestic adoption is a path to parenthood built on hope, patience, and careful planning. Yet prospective adoptive parents are often surprised to learn how much the adoption landscape has changed over the past decade. The reality is that domestic adoption today looks very different than it did even ten years ago. Technology… Read More

Effective for the 2025 tax year,the Adoption Tax Credit is now partially refundable up to $5,000 even if you do not owe federal income tax, and you may carry forward any unused credit for up to five years.  This change marks a major victory for families growing through adoption, as the credit becomes partially refundable… Read More

The U.S. tax code presently allows adoptive families a tax related benefit for any and all qualifying costs and fees incurred in pursuing an adoption. The IRS allows a fairly broad definition of allowed costs and fees such that in most cases, any and all fees and costs paid to an adoption agency, an attorney,… Read More

Parents seeking to craft a parenting plan often focus on a relatively short window of time in their lives, without proper and due consideration to how the plan may change in the future.  A final parenting plan, once entered, is expected to remain in place until the last child turns 18—subject only to substantial changes… Read More