Recent News

Divorce (also known as dissolution) actions are unique to the parties involved and the issues that arise when ending the marriage between the spouses. The divorce process in Washington can take as little as 91 days when the parties agree on all the terms of the dissolution. However, the process can extend much longer if… Read More

The Supreme Court’s decision this week in United States v. Windsor, striking down a part of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) as unconstitutional, has repercussions here in Washington State. In states where same-sex unions are permitted, like here in Washington, federal benefits contingent on marital status will now extend to same-sex couples. While the… Read More

MILITARY DIVORCE: PENSION ISSUES Service members who retire following 20 or more years of creditable service are compensated with a retirement for the rest of their lives. A military pension is community property.   In a divorce setting, both the service member and their spouse need to understand how and when the military retirement is subject… Read More

The Servicemember's Civil Relief Act (SCRA), an expansion of the former Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act, protects active duty military service members.  The act is intended to postpone or suspend certain civil obligations to enable service members to devote full attention to duty and to relieve stress on the family members of those service… Read More

The Washington State Court of Appeals reversed the decision of the Superior Court granting a civil anti-harassment order against the appellant, which prohibited the appellant from the use and enjoyment, her real property.  The property, a beachfront home, was owned by several members of the same family, including the appellant.  Following a series of alleged… Read More

Most counties in Washington State require mediation in family law cases such as divorce or the establishment of a parenting plan prior to the case going to trial.  A bill has been introduced in the Washington State legislature, which requires mediation in all divorces involving children, except in certain circumstances. The typical mediation process involves… Read More

What happens to a 410k account in case of divorce in a same-sex marriage in Washington State? While the passage of same-sex marriage in Washington State conveyed all rights and responsibilities afforded opposite-sex spouses under state law, couples still do not enjoy the full benefits of married couples as provided under Federal law. One of… Read More

A Bill in the Washington State Legislature has been proposed amending RCW 26.09.015 to require mediation in all family laws cases involving children so as to “reduce the acrimony which may exist between the parties,” and to assure the child’s close and continuing contact with both parents after the divorce is final. Some counties require… Read More

A bill is being considered in the Washington State Legislature, which would grant all persons who have an ongoing and substantial relationship with a child, including grandparents, the right to seek visitation with that child through the Courts. The nonparent may petition for visitation with the child if the person has established an ongoing and… Read More