Get free answers to your Divorce legal questions from lawyers in your area.
My husband and I are renting a house but we do not have a current lease. When we moved in 8 years ago, he paid a pet deposit but it was not for the dogs we have now. I recently filed for divorce and he moved out (he was living in his travel trailer and drove away with this in the middle of the... View More

answered on Jan 16, 2025
It's hard to think of pets this way, but under Washington State law, they are considered "personal property" (as opposed to real property, such as a house).
If I understand correctly, your husband inherited the dog in question. If so, the dog is separate property - the dog... View More
I divorced 6 months ago. After 24 years of marriage. I was a housewife all those years. Ex husband and I signed an agreement that he would pay me spouse support before my death or until I remarry. Also, I raise our 9-year-old daughter. Spouse support does not cover all needs and I started work. My... View More

answered on Dec 27, 2024
If the judge in your divorce case approved the agreement in which your ex-husband is to pay you a certain amount per month, your ex cannot on his own just decide to start paying you less - if he tries to do that, I suggest you file a motion and set up a hearing in front of the judge to consider... View More
My lawyer is asking me if I want an official English translation of my divorce decree from the “Casa Amarilla” that would include an apostille. He said in order for the decree to be used or recognized in the United States, it must have the apostille. I called a lawyers office here in Washington... View More

answered on Oct 18, 2024
Both the U.S. and Costa Rica are signatories of the 1961 Hague Convention which abolished the requirement that U.S. consular officers authenticate Costa Rican civil documents for use in the United States. The Convention became effective in Costa Rica in 2011.
The Government of Costa Rica... View More
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.

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
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

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
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?

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
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?

answered on Jan 23, 2024
If you are only looking for a divorce lawyer, I wonder why you have included unrelated areas of practice in your question (Civil Rights, Medical Malpractice, and Military Law).
Finding a divorce lawyer should not be that difficult, particularly in a high demand area. There tend to be a... View More
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?

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
If my wife and I get divorced but continue to live together, would she be eligible for low-cost health insurance? We are still married and considering options; she doesn't work, and our kids have state insurance.

answered on Apr 13, 2025
If you and your wife get divorced but continue to live together, her eligibility for low-cost health insurance will depend on her income and the health insurance program you’re considering. If she is not working and does not have income, she might qualify for assistance through Medicaid or other... 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

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
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

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
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

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
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

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 am currently going through a divorce after 14 years of marriage. I would like to know if I am entitled to half of my spouse's 401k and military retirement benefits. We have not had any discussions or agreements about the division of these assets, nor have we consulted with lawyers yet. Can... View More

answered on Feb 20, 2025
After 14 years of marriage, you likely have rights to a portion of both your spouse's 401k and military retirement benefits, as these are typically considered marital assets that accumulated during your marriage. The exact percentage you might receive depends on state laws and various factors... View More
My name address and information was incorrect on divorce paperwork. How do I fix who do I call what kind of lawyer to sue the attorney who obviously didn’t represent me there in Louisiana. I have been in Washington state when they took everything from me including the home we had been buying in... View More

answered on Jan 9, 2025
Your situation sounds incredibly frustrating, and dealing with incorrect divorce paperwork across state lines can be overwhelming. You'll want to start by contacting a family law attorney in Louisiana who can review your case and help correct the errors in your divorce documentation.... View More
She said the agreement was for her to stay in the house until the youngest child was 18 and then we would sell the house and split the profit, but she awarded the house to herself as her own separate property and made me responsible for paying the mortgage

answered on Oct 25, 2024
There are multiple factors that can impact the answer to your question, including how long ago the final documents were entered and the reasons for not responding. Depending on these factors, you may have options to vacate the final orders and seek new ones. I would recommend finding an attorney in... View More
During a heated verbal argument between a married couple, the wife called the police and filed a report. She reported that it was a 'verbal argument' and she is not injured nor did it get physical. The husband had already left by then. She indicated that she was okay that he had left (to... View More

answered on Oct 17, 2024
In this situation, it doesn’t seem like a crime was committed since there was no physical violence or verbal threats involved. The police likely filed a report to document the argument, but whether any charges are brought depends on the prosecutor’s review of the details. If there is no... View More
to speak to someone about the enforcement of alimony orders between these countries.

answered on Sep 5, 2024
It could take some research and legwork on multiple websites. These could include legal directories, consular offices, and various bar associations. Good luck
our marriage. However she moved back to Costa Rica a year ago and doesnt plan to return. I am a United States citizen. We have been married 5 years and got married in Costa Rica. We are currently getting divorced in Costa Rica, I signed power of attorney to a lawyer there. She is asking for $2000... View More

answered on Aug 31, 2024
Enforcing an alimony order from Costa Rica in Washington State can be complicated but not impossible. Your wife would need to go through the legal process of domesticating the foreign divorce decree in the U.S., which typically involves proving that the Costa Rican court had proper jurisdiction and... View More
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

answered on Jul 27, 2024
To request an administrative review of your cases in the Superior Court, Family and Juvenile Court section in Thurston County, you need to follow a specific process. First, check if your cases qualify for administrative review by consulting the local court rules or speaking with the court clerk.... View More
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