Recent News

Asset valuation is an important part of divorce litigation whether amid a pandemic or not.  However, especially now, it is important to understand that the economy is changing and that it will affect the value of assets and debts in your divorce in determining a fair and equitable award. In addition to determining what assets… Read More

It is generally known that assets such as real property and financial accounts are subject to division in a divorce. But what about accumulated vacation and sick leave? Employees depending on their benefits can accumulate hundreds, even thousands of hours of leave, and this vacation and sick time can be overlooked in a divorce. Unused… Read More

– what happens when your long-term partner dies, but you were never officially married. You built a life together. Lived in and improved the same home, shared your money, worked together to pay bills and invest, and maybe raised some kids. Then, tragically, your partner dies… without a will (called dying “intestate”). In Washington, only… Read More

Question: I’m in the military married to (or have recently adopted) a person who is not a U.S. citizen. What do I do if I’m being sent overseas and my spouse/child has not yet met the residency requirement to be naturalized? You have recently created (or add to) your U.S. military family. From the multiple veterans,… Read More

In many divorce cases, the community’s highest valued asset is real estate.  Whether it be the family home, an investment property, a commercial building, or a second home, it is quite common that the equity in these properties is used to achieve a fair division and either the proceeds or the home itself awarded equitably… Read More

Lisa H. Do presents on The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Parenting Plans. William (Bill) O. Kessler covers Construction Gradually Reopening in Washington State. Read More

A “stay home, stay safe” mandate to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is unfortunately not very safe for many domestic violence victims. Domestic violence in Washington State is legally defined as physical harm, bodily injury, assault, including sexual assault, stalking, or inflicting fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury, or assault between family or household… Read More

David C. Tingstad & Per E. Oscarsson will discuss the latest information on the SBA PPP Loan Program. Anne B. Bennette will cover issues with pending dissolutions during COVID-19 (i.e. the value of property, effect on retirement, the economic positions of each spouse, etc.) Read More

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised numerous questions concerning Parenting Plans and whether parents must abide by court-ordered residential schedules during this time. The short answer is yes; although there may be limited exceptions. The following are common questions heard by our Family Law Group. Responses follow the guidelines related to parenting plans issued by Snohomish… Read More