Recent News

The 2013 Washington State Legislature is considering a bill that would amend RCW 26.09 (Dissolution/Legal Separation Proceedings). The proposed bill would require any parent who commences divorce or legal separation proceedings involving a minor child would be provided a pamphlet, which they acknowledge receipt, explaining the harmful effects of abducting a minor child. As stated… Read More

I have been handed a document from a stranger stating my ex-spouse intends to move to another State with our children. Two years ago, I went through an amicable divorce with my spouse. In those divorce proceedings, a final parenting plan was entered establishing the residential provisions for our children. Under the plan, I have… Read More

You have been offered a job in another State. The job offers better pay and better opportunity. Two years ago, you went through an amicable divorce with your spouse. In those divorce proceedings, a final parenting plan was entered establishing the residential provisions for your children. Under the plan, your ex-spouse has every other weekend… Read More

On November 6, 2012, Washington voters approved (53.7%) Referendum Measure No. 74, allowing people of the same sex to legally marry in Washington State.  Nine states plus Washington, D.C., allow same sex marriage. Prior to Referendum 74, people of the same sex could register with the Secretary of State as “State registered domestic partners” provided… Read More

I have increasingly been asked about prenuptial agreements. Maybe it is the warm weather (unless you live in western Washington), the fear of the unknown, a prior divorce, or just a way to protect oneself in the unfortunate event things don’t work out. As with almost any contract between parties, a prenuptial agreement must be… Read More

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DEFINED.  Domestic violence is defined as “(a) Physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury or assault, between family or household members; (b) sexual assault of one family or household member by another; or (c) stalking . . . one family or household member by… Read More

Beresford Booth lawyer, Dimitra S. Scott, successfully negotiates reformation of a decree of dissolution after discovery that spouse failed to fully disclose assets. Beresford Booth (425.776.4100), www.beresfordlaw.com BERESFORD BOOTH has made this content available to the general public for informational purposes only. The information on this site is not intended to convey legal opinions or… Read More

For those of you who have gone through a divorce or similar proceedings involving children in Washington State and have an Order of Child Support, be sure to check the Post Secondary Educational Support section of the order (typically section 3.14).  If your child is graduating, you may need to file a petition for post… Read More

This article demonstrates the burdens placed on a nonparent when seeking to adopt a child over the objection of a natural parent where the natural parent has failed to perform parental obligations (past performance) versus the burdens placed on a nonparent when seeking to obtain legal custody of a child because of the natural parent’s… Read More