Contact Us  Karin Quirk
Attorney at Law
(425) 289-0293
5400 Carillon Point
Kirkland, WA 98033
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email: info@DivorceForGrownups.net |
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 court. Either party may request a parenting evaluation or the court, if it deems necessary, may appoint an evaluator. My friend, attorney Alan Funk has written an excellent paper to help parents involved in an evaluation. I have reprinted here with his permission. Thank you Alan.
By: Alan Scott Funk
Appointing and Retaining the evaluator
Evaluators are usually appointed by the court at an initial hearing. Once contacted, most evaluators will send a questionnaire, request a a fee deposit, and require a contract. PROMPTLY RESPOND. The evaluator may negatively view an inability to handle these simple tasks. Work with your attorney, complete the forms, and pay the deposit. Your attorney will probably want to send the documents filed in the case, and may also want to send a letter letting the evaluator know your position. DO NOT act without coordinating with your attorney. Read more….
This is a guest posting from Board Certified Divorce Lawyer Scott Morgan of Austin Texas. He offers valuable advice for co-parenting.
Getting a divorce is rough and things can get even more complicated when the kids are involved. Although it can be tricky, co-parenting your children after a divorce is very doable. The time period directly after your divorce will most likely be extremely stressful and chaotic, however, it’s important to provide stability and consistency for your children. Read more….
Seven Common Misperceptions about Divorce in Washington State
1. This is a community property state so everything is 50-50
While asset and debt acquired during the marriage is community property in Washington, it is not necessarily divided equally. The operating word in Washington is “equitable”. There are a number of standards by which equitable is determined. The length of the marriage, the relative earning capacity of the parties, the age and health of the parties as well as the existence of separate wealth are all factors in determining equitable. Read more….
“You were once husband and wife, then you became mom and dad, now you will no longer be husband and wife but you will always be mom and dad.” So advises my friend, a family therapist who helps divorcing parents.
As I try to work with soon-to-be ex spouses I help them divide their property and debt, help them make financial support decisions, and develop a parenting plan that is in their children’s best interest. Most often the parties are able to negotiate the property and support issues in a businesslike way, the parenting plan, (our newer nomenclature for “custody”) often becomes mired in emotional baggage. Read more….
Here are some random Friday musings about some of the misconceptions I often hear. No particular order or importance just as I thought about them. As always, this is informational only and not intended as legal advice for your particular situation. Always confer with an attorney before taking any action regarding these issues. Read more….
This is a guest post by Paul Zohav, www.relationshipliteracy.com
We all know that establishing a marriage is easier than disassembling one. A ritual or other ceremonial conclusion can support dissolving marriages and help them achieve a healthier conclusion.
Weddings come with substantial community participation and celebration why not Divorces as well? Dissolving a business requires great care; shouldn’t dissolving a family require even more forethought and preparation? Read more….
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