Recent News

When the Court enters a Final Parenting Plan, it is expected that it will remain in place until the child (or children) are no longer dependent.  For that reason, it is important to have a comprehensive Final Parenting Plan addressing the residential schedule, holidays, and other provisions as the children age no matter how young… Read More

Do I Need Regular Minor Guardianship or Emergency Minor Guardianship? An emergency minor guardianship is temporary, and it lasts up to 60 days. In some cases, it can be extended but emergency minor guardianships are typically easier to get and are most often used when a child is in immediate danger. A regular minor guardianship… Read More

In previous posts, I have discussed aspects of Collaborative Divorce and Mediation as alternatives to the typical “messy” divorce we hear about from friends and see portrayed in the media. But as a spouse, sometimes your feelings of bitterness, rage, and even hate for your partner—all the emotions that may have led to your divorce—can… Read More

RCW 26.16.010 provides that separate property of a spouse is defined as “property and pecuniary rights owned by a spouse before marriage and that acquired by him or her afterwards by gift, bequest, devise, descent, or inheritance, with the rents, issues and profits thereof.” For example, an individual bank account opened prior to marriage is… Read More

May 4th, 2023 Beresford Booth attorney Anne B. Bennette presents a May the 4th special that covers: What royalties and residuals are and why they’re important; Prenuptial agreements; The effects of different lengths of marriages on divorces; and Estate planning and divorce. Read More

As discussed in previous blogs, the Collaborative Divorce process utilizes not only attorneys, but also various other types of professionals, depending on the needs of the parties and their case. Below is a brief discussion of the role of the Child Specialist in the Collaborative Law divorce process and why they might be included. Child… Read More

On top of all the stressors you’re experiencing during your divorce process, having to go from a two-income household to a one-income household can be hard on the wallet. If you have been a stay-at-home parent, foregoing your career to help raise your family, determining if you qualify for spousal support can be a key… Read More

April 6th, 2023 Attorney Susan O'Toole and guest Mahaella Bayla, CDLP, discuss mortgage plans and divorcing homeowners. Read More

When dealing with domestic violence issues, it is important to understand why a psychological evaluation is not helpful to determine (a) whether domestic violence occurred, (b) whether it is likely to continue, or (c) what treatment would be appropriate for the alleged perpetrator. Even though this concept has been memorialized in both the Domestic Violence… Read More