Washington State Divorce & Child Custody Legal Library

Many of our clients have never before been throught the process of filing for divorce, arranging child custody, or resolving property disputes in Washington State – and even those who have been through the divorce process before soon discover that every divorce case is different. We have created this index of legal articles to help our clients and potential clients better understand the WA divorce process and the divorce, child custody, and domestic violence laws that are unique to Washington State. We hope that these clear, informative articles can help answer some of your basic questions and gain a better understanding of your case.

If you need more information about a legal subject, don't hesitate to contact us today for more information or to discuss your Seattle-area case.

Library Categories:

• Divorce and Property
• Domestic Violence
• Child Custody and Support
• Mediation
• General

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Divorce and Property:

• Washington Divorce & 529 Plans: What Happens To Kids’ College Savings?   
  Description: The division of property is a difficult part of the divorce process - and the division of your child's college fund can be an especially sore topic. However, when it comes to 529 plans and college savings, there are easy steps you can take to keep your child's savings without being taxed or penalized.
• Washington Spousal Maintenance: Will I Have To Pay Alimony?   
  Description: Many couples who are considering divorce are very concerned with whether or not alimony will be involved in their separation. In this legal article, learn more about spousal support, spousal maintenance, and alimony in Washington State - as well as whether or not you will be effected by alimony payments in your divorce.
• Pets As Property In Washington Divorce: Who Gets The Dog?   
  Description: It is difficult enough to decide who gets the marital home and how to figure out child custody - but many couples also struggle with who gets the family pets, such as much-loved dogs and cats. In this legal article, learn more about how courts decide who gets the family dog.
• The Marital Home: Who Gets The House In Washington Divorce?   
  Description: For many, it is one of the most important questions of the divorce: what happens to our house? Do I get it, does my spouse get it, or do we sell it? In this article, we discuss how courts decide what to do with what is often a family's biggest asset - and how you can better understand what the right choice is in your case.
• Divorce After A Lengthy Marriage Holds Unique Challenges   
  Description: Silver divorce is receiving a fair amount of press after famous couple Al and Tipper Gore announced that their marriage was over. But just how common is divorce after decades of marriage? And are there complications to getting a divorce so late in life? Read more about silver divorce in Washington State.
• Washington State Divorce And Retirement Plans: Is Your Retirement Money Protected?   
  Description: When you and your spouse divorce, you will have to decide how to split your retirement funds fairly. The best way to do this without paying tax penalties is through a Washington State divorce lawyer. Learn more about what happens to your retirement plans in a divorce and how a lawyer can help you keep what you are entitled to.
• Using a lawyer to coach you through your divorce. [PDF]   
  Description: Using your lawyer as a coach to keep costs down.
• It doesn't always take two to cause conflict in a divorce. [PDF]   
  Description: The idea that both parties are "guilty" and should be treated (or chastised) equally does not help resolve the conflict.
• Questions To Ask Your Potential Seattle Divorce Attorney   
  Description: Choosing the right Washington State Divorce lawyer is an important decision that could affect how your WA divorce process. Below, we have listed a number of important questions that you should ask potential Seattle divorce lawyers when you are picking a lawyer to help you with your case.
• Facebook & Twitter: How Social Networking Can Affect Your Divorce Case   
  Description: What you say on the internet could hurt your Washington State divorce case or child custody case. Learn more about a new study conducted about social networking sites as divorce evidence and about what divorce lawyers are telling their clients to do about their Facebook and Twitter accounts.
• Checklist: What Should I Do Before Initiating Divorce?   
  Description: A divorce requires planning - and some of that planning needs to take place before you make your divorce public or even before you tell your spouse that you have made your final decision. This checklist can help you think about your divorce and also plan for the smoothest possible Washington State divorce.
• How Does Washington’s Divorce Rate Compare To National Numbers?   
  Description: Washington has one of the higher divorce rates in the country, though the rate of marriages ending across the state has been dropping steadily since 1990. Currently, 4 in 1,000 marriages end each year in WA. Learn more Washington State divorce statistics in the following article.
• Understanding Legal Separation in Washington State   
  Description: Many couples opt for a legal separation instead of divorce for many reasons. Read this article to learn about the process of legally separating and what you need to know if you are considering this option. Contact an experienced Seattle family lawyer at the Law Offices of Molly B. Kenny for legal advice.
• Three Ways Marriages Are Ended in Washington   
  Description: There are three procedures used to end a marriage in Washington. Read this article to learn more about the differences between annulment, separation and dissolution. If you are considering filing for divorce, you should contact a Seattle divorce attorney at the Law Offices of Molly B. Kenny at (206) 381-0100 for legal assistance.
• How Divorce Can Affect Children   
  Description: Although you may well understand the reasons for your divorce, your child may not. In fact, your children may blame themselves for your divorce or become withdrawn and depressed. If you are filing for divorce in Washington State, it is important that you talk with your child openly with your spouse about the divorce and seek therapy if necessary.