Some of the most frequent questions we hear from people who are starting the divorce process: Does it matter who files first? Do we have to have all the details worked out before we file? Are there reasons to wait to file? What is I don’t know where my spouse is? Answers below.
Negotiation, mediation, arbitration, settlement conference are terms sometimes used interchangeably by the lay public. They actually are quite distinguished from each other and have a different interpretation. Here is a guide to these terms as generally accepted in the legal community.
Ending a marriage is hard enough. Discover how choosing an amicable divorce can ease the pain, preserve relationships, and allow you to focus on building a brighter future.
I was recently looking online for a link to a specific law firm when I found information in a well-known legal directory. It was titled “When you need a divorce lawyer,” and I found this: ...getting divorced may be the most challenging thing you ever do. Add in the...
Divorce doesn’t have to be a war. Learn how a flat-fee divorce lawyer can help you and your spouse achieve an amicable divorce, saving you time, money, and stress.
What it’s like to contact a divorce lawyer.
The lessons learned from this story: Listen to your lawyer about the value of your case; just because you married the owner, it does not become community property and don’t remodel a house that isn't yours. Dave loved to remodel houses. He loved...
In an initial consult with The Quirk Law Group, here’s what to expect. No forms or papers being pushed at you, just a comfortable conversation with an expert who can answer questions about the divorce process.
Dissolving a marriage takes a lot of mental and emotional energy. A team of trusted friends, family, and professionals is recommended so that you can get your new life on track. Here are some recommendations when pulling together your divorce team: Family You are...
Legal separation, is it right for me? A legal separation is an alternative to divorce. All issues regarding property and children are resolved just like a divorce except the parties are not free to marry. The parties can file taxes separately. Generally, the spouse is...
COOPERATIVE DIVORCE I am often asked what to do if a spouse is not behaving as a grownup. Does this mean the case has to become contested and ugly? Not necessarily. There are a number of strategies that have worked with my clients. If my client can be the grownup we...
A warm, sunny beach and a man proposes marriage to a woman. He tells her that since they have been living together for four years they will be married anyway in three years because it will be a common law marriage so they might as well do it now. She said yes.
This story was told to me by a friend. It is romantic and funny. It is also based on a myth.
At one-time divorce files could be “sealed” so that no one other than the parties or their attorney could look at them. That is no longer the case. Divorce files are now public record and available to anyone, with or without a legitimate purpose, but there is something you can do to keep them private.
Divorce property settlement agreements are typically based upon the concept that real estate values only go up and there is always equity in the family home. In reality, you never know how real estate values are going to be. There may be times when there are questions concerning what to do about houses that are valued at less than the mortgage, rental property, and houses that have dropped so far in value the owners want to maintain the property long enough to recover some of their losses. You never know what the market is going to be like…These are some questions I frequently hear:
As a seasoned divorce attorney, I have observed the damage people do to their children and each other when dissolving their marriage. Discussions over child custody, property division and support can become quite heated, especially considering the emotional aspects of...
1. This is a community property state so everything is 50-50 While assets and debt acquired during the marriage are community property in Washington, it is not necessarily divided equally. The operating word in Washington is “equitable.” There are a number of...
1. Selecting an agent to work with Real estate agents tell me that their worst nightmare is a couple that can’t cooperate on selling a house. The real estate agent cannot represent just one of you and it is important to select an agent who can work with both of you....
Lately, I have been seeing print and television ads for "complex" divorces, implying that some divorces require special handling by only those certain lawyers. Sometimes folks approach me and tell me they would like to engage in a respectful, cooperative divorce but...
I have been making it my mission to change the way people think about divorce. I truly believe in empowering couples to dissolve their marriage in a respectful cooperative way without going to court. Most people find going to court for their family law cases to be a...
I was disappointed as I approached a favorite business only to find it had closed its doors for good. An employee of a neighboring business told me it closed because the owner had gotten a divorce. As a divorce lawyer, this made no sense to me. Why would a divorce...
Sometimes Facebook has a game where it shows you your most often used words as a digital image depending on size. If such a game existed for my conversation with clients, the word or phrase that would be the largest up front and center would be IT DEPENDS. How much...
WALKING ON EGGSHELLS. The absolutely most common reason I hear is “I feel like I’m walking on eggshells. Nothing I do is right.” It is really difficult to live under constant criticism. As the individual's self-esteem is lowered by their partner, they are vulnerable...
Can you preserve a family business even though the principals are dissolving their marriage? While it can be a challenge to dissolve a marriage and preserve a family business, it can be done and often is in the best interest of not only the parties but the employees,...
This is a collection of random thoughts and observations. Questions are welcome for future posts. You may want to check out the page "Thoughts about Divorce" for a collection of previous posts that I have written over the years. Many of these started...
Getting served divorce papers must be right up there with the worst day of your life. The papers are very official looking and in your shock completely incomprehensible. The cover is a Summons that extols you to respond within a certain number of days. What to do?...
The major benefit of a cooperative divorce with children is that the parents work together on a parenting plan that is in the best interests of the children without court intervention. However, sometimes it is necessary to involve the...
Here are some really quick videos focusing on Divorce & Money. There are a lot of questions surrounding finances during a divorce. Who gets what? How can I get the "upper hand?" Truth is there is no "upper hand" an attorney can offer. The best course...
APRIL 29, 2010 2010 FIVE STAR Wealth Manager (SM) in Seattle Magazine Thanks to you, I was named a 2010 FIVE STAR Wealth Manager (SM) in Seattle Magazine for “Best in Overall Satisfaction”. Only 7 percent of the 11,000 wealth managers in the Seattle area was thus...
Recently I asked a neighborhood Facebook group for input on divorce topics to discuss. Some responses were very personal and I won’t discuss them here, but there was a pattern to the general questions, here they are with my answers included.
As we meet with clients, these are some of the most common questions we answer. Keep in mind, this is for Washington State residents only.
My practice has evolved over time to representing parties who have decided they no longer want to be married but want to maintain a relationship with their ex-spouse. They have watched their friends go through bitter divorces and want to avoid the hostility generated by a “divorce war.”
Articles below are not intended as legal advice. Family law cases can are complex, and you should consult with an attorney.
Learn more about divorce in Washington State with Six-Word Lessons for a Peaceful Divorce; 100 Lessons to Dissolve Your Marriage with Respect and Cooperation by Karin Quirk.