Recent News

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

A bill has been introduced in the Washington State Legislature, which would extend the “cooling off” period from 90 days to 1 year.  SB 5616 (“Family Second Chances Act”) 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… Read More

On January 28, 2013, the Washington State Court of Appeals upheld the decision of the Snohomish County Superior Court granting visitation rights to an acknowledged father as a de facto parent over the objections of the biological parents. The Court’s decision can be found at:  http://www.courts.wa.gov/opinions/?fa=opinions.disp&filename=677489MAJ Beresford Booth (425.776.4100), www.beresfordlaw.com BERESFORD BOOTH has made this… Read More

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