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Washington Divorce Questions & Answers
0 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Child Custody for Washington on
Q: I received from the petitioner a NOTE FOR SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE. What I have to do?

This matter is a divorce case in Yakima County Washington State.

0 Answers | Asked in Divorce for Washington on
Q: Is it legal for a attorney to change court paperwork without first going before a judge?

A friend of mine is going through a nasty divorce and her ex husband claims that his attorney changed the paperwork after the judge ruled in her favor

0 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Civil Rights and Domestic Violence for Washington on
Q: How do I request an administrative review of my cases in Superior Court, in Thurston County, WA?

I am seeking guidance on the possibility of requesting an administrative review of my cases in Thurston County. This involves a DV and Dissolution thesis, and it is in the Family and Juvenile Court section of the Superior Court. Could you please advise if this option is available to me and, if so,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Tax Law, Banking and Collections for Washington on
Q: Me and my ex husband share a house. He went to prison and owes court fees and lawyer fees. Will I lose my house?

I want to keep the house, but I don’t want them to take the whole house from me since he doesn’t have money to pay them off.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 28, 2024

When you co-own a house with someone who incurs significant debts, such as court fees and lawyer fees, there is a risk that creditors might target the property to recover what is owed. However, the extent to which your house is at risk depends on several factors, including how the property is... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Divorce, Personal Injury and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: I live in Washington state and I have a question concern recording via video or audio conversations to protect myself.

I get gaslighted/manipulated and/or lied to and video/audio recordings are the only way to protect myself in these scenarios. People say I did things i said things I didn’t. Or the other party attacks me or verbally abuses me but no one believes me because I’m a man. I don’t understand how... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 23, 2024

Living in a two-party consent state like Washington can present challenges when it comes to recording conversations without the consent of all parties involved. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. One option is to seek legal advice to understand the specific circumstances in which... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Child Custody and Family Law for Washington on
Q: I’m in the process of filing for divorce in Snohomish County, nothing is final yet. I have to move back to Minnesota

We have a minor child and it was agreed that I would have custody. But now my ex is saying she doesn’t want me to just up and leave. She is now stationed in San Diego, Ca. Are we legally required to stay here in Washington?

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Feb 7, 2024

In Washington, if you are in the process of divorce and plan to move with a minor child, especially out of state, it's essential to consider both the legal implications and the custody arrangements agreed upon or ordered by the court. Since nothing is final yet, and given your ex's... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Civil Rights, Military Law and Family Law for Washington on
Q: I have gone through 2 referral services and researched on my own. I've tried to contact about 6 attorneys & got 0 help.

I live in WA state. I just want a Divorce/Legal Separation attorney. Why is it so hard to do? Does anyone know who I can contact? Near Snohomish county?? Is there a reason I am brushed off?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 22, 2024

Finding an attorney can sometimes be challenging, especially in high-demand areas like family law. If you've had difficulty securing a lawyer through referral services, consider reaching out to your local bar association in Snohomish County or the Washington State Bar Association. They often... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Military Law and Family Law for Washington on
Q: I been married for 19yrs and have been a Military stay at home mom and my husband is decided he doesn’t want me anymore

He has been in the military for for almost 19yrs and I have been by his side all these years and he says he only has to pay child support and I get nothing from him. I need help!

LTC (Ret) Sean F. Mangan
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answered on Jul 21, 2023

You are absolutely entitled to more than just child support. Your military spouse is likely going to receive a military pension, which is a considered to visible property, and you will be entitled to a portion of that property in the divorce process as you would any other piece of property such as... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Child Custody and Child Support for Washington on
Q: My child turns 18 next month... what do I need to do regarding Child Support/Parenting Plan, does it end automatically?

I am just needing to know what I do when he turns 18, do I need to go to court to terminate those 2 things, or do they just end automatically when he turns 18? I obviously do not want to keep paying child support at 18, but do owe a small amount of back support, and also obviously don't either... View More

Zachary C Ashby
Zachary C Ashby
answered on Feb 3, 2022

The parenting plan will terminate automatically when your child turns 18.

Child support can be a little different. There is a termination date on the order. It will state something like this order ends when the child reaches 18. Often it is after he or she graduates high school or turns...
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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce for Washington on
Q: My ex wife entered my private room at my parents house to obtain tax documents without permission or asking for them.

I was out of town for work and she has documentation I need now and is refusing to get me the info.

Zachary C Ashby
Zachary C Ashby
answered on Feb 3, 2022

Is your divorce final? Do you have any ongoing action?

Obviously, she shouldn't have gone into your room. Getting the documents back can be difficult, if you have an ongoing case, you can require her to provide them through the Court. If you do not, your options are a little more...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Divorce and Family Law for Washington on
Q: I have a protection order against me and I'm not allowed to return home.

Am I able to call and have her new bf trespassed from that residence

Zachary C Ashby
Zachary C Ashby
answered on Feb 3, 2022

Probably not. But you should contact an attorney to have the protection order addressed to help you get any of your property and ensure that you do not accidentally violate the order.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Washington on
Q: We have a piece of property in my wife's name only. I want to know if she can be made to sell it as community property?

We have been legally separated since 2009. We have a house that we bought a year and a 1 1/2 ago. She wants to sell that. Her family gave us the property 3 and a 1/2 years ago. But only put it in her name. We live in Skagit County in Washington State.

Zachary C Ashby
Zachary C Ashby
answered on Feb 3, 2022

First, you will have to show that it is community property. While Washington Courts favor characterizing property as community, there are certain times when property is considered separate property.

For example, inheritance, gifts, personal injury payouts, or property owned before marriage...
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Real Estate Law for Washington on
Q: Will I need to pay them out or worry about them taking my house?

I bought a house while married but its only under my name. My spouse signed a quit claim deed during the purchase. If we divorce, do I need to worry about losing the house?

Stacie Lynn Naczelnik
Stacie Lynn Naczelnik
answered on Sep 9, 2021

You should consult with an attorney who can advise you on the complexities of community/separate property and your options when it comes to protecting your interest in the house.

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Divorce for Washington on
Q: Can I go bankrupt post divorce to avoid paying a property settlement while still keeping my home? Chapter 13?

basically my wife has taken everything and I want to keep our home. I will have to buy her out, but will need to file chapter 13 after. Can I include this settlement to avoid having to pay her. I have already paid over $50K in alimony and $80K in attorney fees,

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Jul 20, 2021

No. You cannot bankrupt a divorce settlement.

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Divorce, Domestic Violence and Family Law for Washington on
Q: My husband is in jail for domestic violence. I want to divorce him and get my sons passport so I can return home

Is this possible with him being in jail

Brennan R Block
Brennan R Block
answered on Jul 15, 2020

Yes, it is possible to divorce your husband while he is in jail. You will need to serve him, in jail, with a divorce petition and follow procedures required by law. You should hire an experienced divorce attorney in your state to help with you with the process.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Washington on
Q: After the 90 day waiting period begins 4 uncontested divorce, are there steps that require me to be physically present?
Kevin R. Richardson
Kevin R. Richardson
answered on Dec 21, 2019

Yes. Nothing magic happens after 90 days has lapsed. Rather, you are now allowed to conclude your dissolution because that the statutory waiting or "cooling-off" period has expired.

The process varies by county, but generally speaking you need to set up a hearing before a...
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Washington on
Q: Moved from Ca to Wa state in Dec 2018. How is an inheritance split during a divorce? I have been married 19.5 years.

My husband received inheritance from sale of father's property

Tammy L. Wincott
Tammy L. Wincott
answered on Nov 22, 2019

You need to check with your divorce lawyer. IN the State of Texas inheritance is separate property and not subject to division during a divorce.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Divorce for Washington on
Q: My wife has a daughter that isn't mine that I have raised for the past 15 years. Will I have to pay child support?

I never legally adopted her.

Marc Andrew Moses
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Marc Andrew Moses
answered on Apr 12, 2019

The short answer is no, but it depends on a few other factors.

Children from other relationships are not considered for child support. The "depends" part is if the mother believes you are the father, which can be overcome with a DNA test, which would then result in you not paying...
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