Recent News

Part of Parental Rights Law Put on Hold by King County Judge

Washington State Divorce & Family Law Lawyer Mackenzie O. Bretz | 7/19/2024
March 4, 2024, Washington Initiative 2081, titled, Parental Right to Review Education Materials, Receive Notifications, and Opt Out of Sexual-Health Education Initiative, was approved by the Washington State Legislature by a vote of 49-0 and 82-15 in the House. Initiative 2081 gave parents the right to review educational materials, receive certain notifications, and opt out… Read More

You Have a Family Law Hearing . . . How Should You Prepare?

Washington State Divorce & Family Law Lawyer Mackenzie O. Bretz | 6/24/2024
Appearing in court or over Zoom for a hearing can be nerve-wracking. Here are some straightforward tips to help you exude confidence and professionalism. What Should I Wear? When appearing in court, it's important to dress presentably, so stick to business casual attire.  This means wearing long pants, a skirt, or a dress with a… Read More

The Reality of Mediation in Your Divorce Proceedings

Washington State Divorce & Family Law Lawyer Mackenzie O. Bretz | 5/22/2024
When filing a petition for dissolution in Washington state, most counties require the parties to mediate before proceeding to trial. Required mediation is an effort by the Washington State Courts to reduce congestion and promote judicial efficiency for all parties. While some parties may be unsure about mediation, it allows both sides to maintain control… Read More

Separated but not yet Divorced or Legally Separated, What to do when Filing Taxes.

Washington State Divorce & Family Law Lawyer Amanda N. Gamble | 5/6/2024
So, you’ve found yourself legally married but no longer holding yourself out to the world as a married couple. This does not necessarily require taking the step of living in separate residences. It simply means that, for all practical purposes, you are married in name only.  You also do not need a decree of legal… Read More

Coercive Control and Social Media in Domestic Violence Protection Orders

The Lawyers at Beresford Booth | 5/6/2024
In July 2022, the Washington Legislature passed House Bill 1901, which formally added “coercive control” to the domestic violence statute, RCW 7.105.010.   Coercive control is defined as a pattern of behavior that is used to cause another to suffer physical, emotional, or psychological harm, and in purpose or effect unreasonably interferes with a person's free… Read More

Commonly Held Myths Regarding Divorce

Washington State Divorce & Family Law Lawyer Mackenzie O. Bretz | 4/23/2024
When you start the divorce process, you'll soon realize that many people have advice or horror stories to share with you. While some of their experiences can be helpful, people often spread myths about the divorce process. So, let's look at some of the most commonly held myths about getting a divorce. MYTH 1: Inheritance… Read More