Recent News

Mediation. Arbitration. What is the Difference? 

Washington State Divorce & Family Law Lawyer Amanda N. Gamble | 3/14/2025
As you begin your litigation journey, you may start to hear terms like alternative dispute resolution (ADR), mediation or arbitration. ADR is an option for resolving disputes outside of court. Mediation and arbitration are sub-groups of ADR. In King and Snohomish counties, all litigants involved in family law cases, that do not qualify for an exemption,… Read More

The Importance of Updating Your Will After Divorce

Washington State Family Law Lawyer Anne B. Bennette | 2/26/2025
Whether you have been married for one year or thirty years, it is extremely important to update your estate plan following a divorce.  RCW 11.12.051(1) states that “if, after making a will, the testator's marriage or domestic partnership is dissolved, invalidated, or terminated, all provisions in the will in favor of or granting any interest… Read More

My Ex Has Stopped Paying Child Support, What is My Recourse?

Washington State Divorce & Family Law Lawyer Mackenzie O. Bretz | 2/19/2025
If you have begun the process of obtaining a Child Support Order or are working to finalize your divorce, you likely understand the time and effort required to navigate this situation. Once you have the order in place, it can be incredibly frustrating if the other party refuses to pay. This refusal not only adds… Read More

College Tuition – Who Pays When Parents are Divorced?

Washington State Divorce & Family Law Lawyer Amanda N. Gamble | 2/5/2025
In Washington State, the responsibility for paying for a child's college tuition after a divorce can be determined through various methods. Those methods are discussed below. Child Support Agreement. During your dissolution proceeding or parenting plan proceeding, you can agree to include an agreement about postsecondary (college) support. You can simply agree that each parent… Read More

What Will a Court Consider in Entering a Parenting Plan?

Washington State Divorce & Family Law Lawyer Mackenzie O. Bretz | 1/28/2025
If you and your co-parent cannot agree on a parenting plan, a commissioner in your county will make that decision for you. Temporary Parenting Plan There are some different considerations a Court will make when entering a temporary parenting plan, or a plan that will last until the end of litigation, versus a permanent plan… Read More

Are Parents Required to Pay for College?

Washington State Divorce and Family Law Lawyer Anne B. Bennette | 1/22/2025
The answer: ‘it depends.’ In Washington State, co-parents with dependent children that have entered a Parenting Plan (for example through a divorce, separation or parentage action), will have also entered an Order of Child Support.  Depending on the age of the children at the time of entry, often the issue of post-secondary support is ‘reserved.’ … Read More