Get free answers to your Family Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I would like to change the designated guardians for my children in my will, as recent concerns with our current appointed guardians have motivated us to select others, with whom we've already communicated our intentions. We previously designated guardians in our will and have no other... View More 
I am currently married in Washington State, which is a community property state. I would like to know if stocks, mutual funds, and 401(k)s that I held before marriage remain my separate property. I have no prenuptial agreement, and although some investments have changed in value, all dividends... View More
I have a parenting plan in Washington that states child support ends when the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever is later. My child is 18 and graduating in June. There haven't been any changes to the agreement since it was established, and there's no mention of... View More
I want to gain guardianship of my non-biological son, who was put under guardianship in Lewis County, WA. There's an existing guardianship case in Cowlitz County involving him and my biological son; their grandmother was the guardian until she passed away two years ago. This guardianship was... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
To begin the process of gaining guardianship of your non-biological son in Washington, you’ll first need to address the existing guardianship case in Cowlitz County. Since the guardianship was never formally transferred or terminated after the grandmother passed away, you'll likely need to... View More
I applied for a mutual consent divorce in Washington State, with both parties initially consenting and signing. The final documents were sent to the respondent on January 10, with a usual response time of 17 days, but the respondent didn't sign or withdraw. The judge issued the final decree on... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
In Washington State, a mutual consent divorce generally requires both parties to agree to the terms and formally sign off on the documents. If your spouse did not sign the divorce papers or withdraw from the process within the expected time frame, it could technically change the nature of the... View More
My husband filed for divorce in Washington State two days ago. Yesterday, he mentioned that his lawyer put the divorce on pause because we both want to reconcile. I have not received any legal documentation about this pause. Can a divorce filing actually be paused under these circumstances, and... View More
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answered on Apr 11, 2025
Yes, in Washington State, it's possible to pause or even dismiss a divorce proceeding if both parties are considering reconciliation. Since your husband filed the petition just two days ago, you're still early in the process, and there are options available to you.
If your... View More
I live in Washington State and have a daughter with multiple diagnosed disabilities: dyslexia, language processing disorder, impaired working memory, and difficulty processing information. She recently turned 13, and I was denied access to her medical records by her doctor, due to her age. Although... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
In Washington State, parents typically have the right to access their child's medical records until the child turns 14. However, this can be complicated if the child is deemed mature enough to make their own decisions, or if there are concerns about their ability to understand medical... View More
CPS removed my child from my home due to abuse allegations, but they haven't contacted me directly. I was informed by law enforcement during school hours. I have not received any documents from CPS or law enforcement, only a call with a case number. I've had previous interactions with CPS... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
The first step is to contact CPS directly to request more information about the removal of your child and the specific allegations. You should ask for details about the case, including why your child was removed, and make sure to get the correct contact information for the caseworker assigned to... View More
In my divorce case in Washington State, I sent an email to my wife in March 2023 stating that any earnings from that point forward would be considered separate property. We have a verbal agreement and have been living separately in the same home, although there's been no written reply from... View More
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answered on Apr 11, 2025
It sounds like you're handling a tough situation with care, and you’ve already taken an important step by clearly stating your intent to separate finances. In Washington, the date of separation isn't always tied to physically living apart—it can be based on clear actions and... View More
I recently discovered that I may possibly be the father of an adult son I never knew about. He lives in California, while I reside in Washington State. I want to determine if he is indeed my son, but I am currently unemployed and cannot afford to pay for a paternity test. How should I proceed with... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
To establish paternity for your adult son, the first step is to reach out to him and discuss the situation, if possible. Since he is an adult, he would need to agree to take a paternity test. If he is open to this, you can then arrange for the test, which may be done through a legal or private... View More
I sent an email to my wife in March 2023 stating that from that date forward, what she earns is hers and what I earn is mine, while anything before that date would be split 50-50. We agreed to these terms but did not formally confirm them, although we used this date to withdraw money from our bank... View More
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answered on Apr 11, 2025
It sounds like you’ve tried to handle things thoughtfully and fairly, which counts for a lot during a divorce. In Washington, which is a community property state, any assets or debts acquired during the marriage are generally split equally unless there’s a legally binding agreement stating... View More
I don’t think her mom signed any legal eviction papers yet and she already told her mom her plans for the weekend, her mom agreed and when the plans were being played out her mom got mad saying that she should’ve been home at 6pm in general on Sunday but she already agreed to the plans my... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
In this situation, your girlfriend’s mother cannot legally force her to leave without going through proper legal channels, especially since she is still a minor and a high school student. A simple text message or verbal notice does not constitute a legal eviction, and eviction typically requires... View More
I am currently in the process of establishing paternity for my 16-year-old child in Washington State. She is attending an alternative school working towards her GED and has passed one of the GED tests. Her teacher plans to help her obtain her high school diploma. Will the noncustodial parent be... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
In Washington State, child support obligations generally continue until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever comes later. Since your child is still working toward her high school diploma, even through an alternative school, the noncustodial parent would likely remain... View More
I want to object to the relocation and modification of a parenting plan proposed by the other parent. The relocation involves moving from Washington to Utah, and I have 20 days to respond. I am currently working with a PLLC in Washington, but I have been told that an attorney is necessary to... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
To object to the proposed relocation from Washington to Utah, you must file a formal objection with the court within the 20-day deadline. Even if you’re working with a PLLC, you do not need an attorney to file the objection yourself—you can submit the paperwork pro se (on your own). The key is... View More
I had my parental rights terminated for a year due to convincing evidence of abuse and neglect. My ex is likely pursuing full custody. I've been completing court-ordered counseling. What are the chances that I'll receive part-time custody, or is it more likely that my parental rights will... View More
answered on Mar 19, 2025
Completing the course alone is not enough to answer your question. The court will consider various factors when it comes to custody, like your living situation, ability to care for the child, drug/alcohol use history, etc. And you will likely be required to pay support either way.
In a show cause hearing regarding guardianship, does every member related to the parties need to attend court? My mom is the current guardian of my 21-year-old disabled brother. She received documents notifying her of a court hearing because someone filed a motion to remove her guardianship, citing... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
In a guardianship show cause hearing, not every relative is required to attend unless they are directly involved in the case or have been specifically ordered to attend. Since the letter only specifies that your mother, as the current guardian, needs to attend, you are not necessarily required to... View More
My mother's estate in Washington is being handled through probate without a will. She had seven children, two of whom, including my brother, passed away before her. My brother has a child, who is my mother's grandson. Does he qualify as an heir and receive my deceased brother's share... View More
answered on Mar 11, 2025
Yes, if your mother's estate is being probated without a will and any of her children passed away before her but leaving their own children (i.e. if your brother died before your mother but had kids), then any grandchild by a pre-deceased child inherits under RCW 11.04.015(2)(a).
A... View More
I am the uncle of a vulnerable adult whose mother recently passed away. His brother established guardianship and conservatorship and has placed protection orders on anyone trying to assist my nephew. There have been patterns of mistreatment, documented by my temporary guardianship and a protection... View More
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answered on Mar 24, 2025
Your situation sounds incredibly difficult, and I understand your concern for your nephew's wellbeing. In Washington state, to challenge an existing guardianship, you'll need to file a Petition for Modification or Termination of Guardianship with the superior court in the county where the... View More
I am a 16-year-old minor living in Washington with a family friend for about six months after being removed from my mother's household due to domestic violence concerns. There were no legal or custody agreements made regarding my current living situation. I want to move to a different state to... View More
answered on Feb 26, 2025
As a minor whose mother has legal rights over you, you are not free to live wherever you choose. Understanding you have been living with a friend for six-months, either your mother agrees or is not objecting to your living situation. It is possible that, if you were to move to live with your father... View More
I have been married to my husband for 10 years, and we have a 7-year-old daughter together. Despite our rocky times, we live together and can demonstrate the legitimacy of our marriage through photos, joint leases, and other documentation. We married abroad while my husband had a green card, and I... View More
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answered on Feb 19, 2025
You have a complex situation that deserves careful consideration, given USCIS's administrative error and your husband's unwillingness to cooperate with the I-751 filing.
Based on your circumstances, you may be eligible for an I-751 waiver since you've been married for 10... View More
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