Everett Family Law, LLCEverett Family Law, LLC2026-03-06T15:01:36Zhttps://www.everettlaw.net/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1103740/2022/06/cropped-site-icon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Everett Family Law, LLC<![CDATA[Understanding child support processes in Washington State]]>https://www.everettlaw.net/?p=496182026-02-20T08:28:57Z2026-02-20T08:19:00ZHow do courts determine child support?
This process begins when you and your ex-partner fill out your child support worksheets. Based on your respective income information, the judge will then proceed to add your incomes and use the Washington State child support schedule guidelines to calculate your “basic support obligation.”
If the amount does not cover all your children’s expenses, the judge may order both of you to share on these costs. Three examples of this include daycare, healthcare and long-distance transportation.
Who handles child support collections in Washington State?
The state agency Division of Child Support (DCS) is responsible for collecting support payments from non-custodial parents. The agency also handles child support order modifications and enforcements.
When can I modify my child support amount?
If your child support is a court order, your modification request must be submitted through the county prosecutor’s office. The DCS will review the details of your request and your supplemental documents.
While the DCS assesses modification requests on an individual basis, five valid “change of circumstances” may include:
A significant change in your or your ex-partner’s income
A change in your custody order
A change in your parenting time arrangement
An involuntary job loss
A change in your children’s medical and/or educational expenses
Your supplemental documents must carry proof of your “change of circumstances”, be fair to the other parent and be pursued for the benefit of your children’s best interests.
By taking your time to learn about the state’s basic child support processes, you can let go of your uncertainties and make informed decisions that can help you and your children adapt better to your new situation.]]>On Behalf of Everett Family Law, LLC<![CDATA[When is a custody modification possible in Washington?]]>https://www.everettlaw.net/?p=496162026-01-28T22:01:54Z2026-01-28T22:01:54ZWhen they agree on the necessary updates
Parents can cooperate about custody modifications just as they can cooperate when establishing an initial custody order. Parents who agree that specific revisions are necessary can pursue an uncontested custody modification at any point.
They may need to work with an attorney to fill out the necessary paperwork to formally adjust the current custody order. Once the courts approve the modification, the new terms become the enforceable custody arrangement for the family.
When circumstances change
If parents disagree about the need for a custody modification, then the situation must meet a different standard. Specifically, the parent requesting the modification must show the courts that there has been a significant change in family circumstances.
Many different changes could be significant enough to warrant a custody modification. For example, a parent accepting a new job or the children moving to a different school could make a modification necessary. New relationships and changing family dynamics can also be significant enough changes to justify a modification request.
Concerns about abuse or neglect, as well as repeated violations of an existing custody order, can also convince the courts that a formal modification is necessary. A judge hearing a contested modification request should decide if changes are necessary and what changes to integrate into the custody order based on their understanding of what is in the children's best interests.
Especially in cases where there's a disagreement about the need for a custody modification or the most appropriate way to adjust the existing custody order, parents may require the assistance of a family law attorney. Understanding the rules that govern custody order modifications can help parents protect their children and better ensure that custody arrangements focus on the children's best interests.]]>On Behalf of Everett Family Law, LLC<![CDATA[Preparing for a custody battle looming in the coming year]]>https://www.everettlaw.net/?p=496072025-12-23T16:48:13Z2025-12-23T16:48:13ZFacing the possibility of a custody battle in the coming year can feel overwhelming, especially for parents who are already juggling emotional stress, work demands and ongoing concern for their children’s well-being. While almost no one enters parenthood expecting custody-related conflict, preparing thoughtfully and early can make a meaningful difference in both the outcome of a custody dispute and the experience itself.
Across the U.S., contested custody matters are typically decided in ways that any particular judge believes to be centered on the child’s best interests, not on punishing one parent or rewarding the other. Factors such as each parent’s involvement, the child’s routine, stability and ability to meet physical and emotional needs often carry significant weight in the “mind of the court.” To this end, learning about how courts evaluate these issues can help parents focus their energy on what truly matters. For example, even in contentious situations, courts generally favor the positions of parents who are willing to cooperate with one another to the greatest extent possible.
Practical preparation concerns
Preparation for a custody dispute generally starts with documenting parenting involvement. Consistency matters. Keeping records of schedules, school involvement, medical appointments, extracurricular activities and daily caregiving responsibilities can provide clarity if disputes arise. This is not about creating ammunition against the other parent, but about accurately reflecting the role you play in your child’s life.Communication choices also become especially important when a custody dispute is looming. Written messages, emails and texts can later be reviewed by attorneys or courts. Remaining calm, child-focused and respectful can help to protect your credibility. Avoid venting frustrations through social media or involving children in adult conflicts, as these actions can backfire and harm your case.Additionally, know that housing stability, work schedules, transportation and childcare plans all influence parenting arrangements. Thinking ahead about how you would manage school drop-offs, medical care, holidays and emergencies shows preparedness and reliability. Courts often favor plans that are realistic and minimize disruption for children.Finally, seeking legal guidance as soon as possible can be an invaluable approach. A skilled legal team can explain options, help anticipate challenges and develop a strategy tailored to your situation. Preparing for a custody battle does not mean assuming the worst. It means protecting your relationship with your child and approaching the coming year with clarity, intention and a focus on long-term stability for your family.]]>On Behalf of Everett Family Law, LLC<![CDATA[Seeking visitation or custody after accepting limited access ]]>https://www.everettlaw.net/?p=496042025-11-19T19:42:53Z2025-11-19T19:42:53ZSome people feel truly blindsided by divorce paperwork. When their spouses serve them, they go through a broad range of emotional reactions. In some cases, the depression that arises as a result of an imminent divorce may lead to one spouse basically withdrawing from the process. They may agree to every demand set by the other spouse. They may not even respond to the initial paperwork at all, leading to a divorce granted by default judgment in favor of the filing spouse.
Other times, it may take months for one spouse to secure housing or employment during and after a divorce. They may recognize that they are not in a position to meet the needs of their children and may voluntarily agree to give the other spouse sole custody. In such cases, the divorced parent subject to an imbalanced custody order may want to request visitation or shared custody. What options do people have after agreeing to custody terms that limit or all but eliminate their access to their children?
Parents can request custody modifications
A parent who has improved their circumstances may be able to request an uncontested modification with the cooperation of the other parent. Once they have adequate housing and stable employment or have addressed personal challenges that may have affected their parenting capabilities, they may be able to negotiate an arrangement to start taking the children on weekends and then increase their parenting time slowly. Parents can work cooperatively to submit uncontested custody modification requests to the courts at any point after a judge finalizes the divorce. If the other parent is not supportive of the request for visitation or shared custody, then the matter may need to go back to court. A family law judge can review the circumstances and determine if modifying the custody order is in the best interests of the children. Judges generally want to keep both parents as involved as possible, provided that it is in the best interests of the children. If a parent can show they can provide for the children's needs, a judge may agree to award them visitation or shared custody. Other times, they may establish a court-ordered reunification plan. Such plans begin with counseling and eventually lead to a parent without custody having independent parenting time. Reviewing the current custody order and changes in personal circumstances with a legal professional can help a parent explore their options. A custody modification can help a parent gain access to their children and play an active role in their lives after they previously gave up their parental rights due to the stress of divorce.]]>On Behalf of Everett Family Law, LLC<![CDATA[3 mistakes business owners make in divorce and how to avoid them]]>https://www.everettlaw.net/?p=495962025-10-27T14:10:27Z2025-10-27T14:10:27ZThe emotional weight of ending a marriage is heavy, but so is the worry about how your business and personal assets will be divided. For small business owners, divorce does not just affect personal life; it can impact your livelihood, your employees and your financial future. Understanding the pitfalls ahead can help you protect your company and make informed decisions. Here are three missteps business owners should avoid in a divorce.
1. Mixing personal and business finances
A common mistake is combining personal and business accounts. When money is mixed, it can be hard to show which assets belong to you alone. Courts may classify more of your business as marital property than you expect. Keep business and personal accounts separate. Track contributions and document expenses carefully. This makes it easier to protect your company and simplifies divorce proceedings.
2. Undervaluing the business
Many owners assume they know what their business is worth. Without a professional assessment, this can be risky. An inaccurate valuation can lead to an unfair settlement or unexpected financial obligations. Hiring a business appraiser who understands divorce cases gives you an accurate value. Clear valuations prevent disputes and help both parties reach a fair agreement.
3. Overlooking legal agreements
Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements can protect your business, but many owners ignore them. Relying on verbal agreements or old documents can leave your business exposed. Work with an experienced attorney to create or review agreements. Define ownership, contributions and how assets will be divided. Clear agreements reduce uncertainty and protect your business.Knowing key information and acting early protects both your business and your personal well-being.
Protecting your hard work
Facing divorce as a business owner is challenging, but it does not have to threaten your financial future. A family law attorney who understands small business issues can guide you. With the right strategies and support, you can make informed decisions and protect the company you have worked hard to build. ]]>On Behalf of Everett Family Law, LLC<![CDATA[3 benefits of legally establishing parentage]]>https://www.everettlaw.net/?p=495942025-10-02T03:59:20Z2025-10-02T03:59:20Z1. The right to visitation and custody
The family courts have the authority to order parents to share time with their children. They can even require that parents cooperate when making major decisions about their children.
Typically, only those acknowledged by the state have the right to request visitation or the establishment of a shared custody order. Men who validate their parents can initiate custody proceedings to secure access to their children.
2. Legal protection for the children
Fathers aren't the only ones who benefit from formally establishing parentage. Their children also derive benefits from their efforts.
Once the state has amended a child's birth certificate to reflect the identity of their father, the child then has the right to inherit from their father's estate, even if they die without a will. The child may also be eligible for certain benefits, such as health insurance that a father secures through his employment or military service.
3. Emotional benefits for both parties
Fathers may feel insecure in their relationships with their children when the state does not acknowledge them. Similarly, children may have an uncertain sense of self or may feel unclear about their family history when they do not have a legal relationship with their fathers.
Establishing parentage provides insight into family medical history and cultural connections. Both fathers and their children may find that the act of establishing parentage strengthens their connection to one another and to the family unit as a whole.
Even if establishing parentage requires litigation, pursuing parental rights and responsibilities is typically beneficial. Fathers may need help understanding how to establish parentage and asserting their parental rights after the state acknowledges them.]]>On Behalf of Everett Family Law, LLC<![CDATA[What are the grounds for a divorce in Washington?]]>https://www.everettlaw.net/?p=495922025-09-04T00:50:34Z2025-09-04T00:50:34ZWashington only hears no-fault divorce cases
Divorces based on fault have the potential to be incredibly contentious. Even those who resent and mistreat their spouses may become defensive when accused of causing the decline of a marital relationship. A fault-based divorce filing has the potential for very intense conflict and could take months to litigate.
Washington does not currently hear fault-based divorce cases. Instead, the state only allows for no-fault divorce proceedings. The person requesting a divorce asserts to the courts that there has been an irretrievable breakdown of the marital relationship. They claim that their dynamic with their spouse has declined, and they see no reason to believe that the situation is likely to improve.
There is no way to prove conclusively that a relationship has declined to that point. The spouse only needs to make the assertion in court under oath to proceed with a no-fault divorce.
Do spouses need to cooperate?
The fastest and most cost-effective divorces involve the cooperation of the spouses. Couples can work together to resolve disagreements about property division and make arrangements for their minor children.
However, it may be very difficult to reach an agreement when the marital relationship has already declined significantly. As such, many no-fault divorces are contested or litigated divorces. The spouses present the courts with information about their circumstances, and a judge decides how to address parenting issues and property division disagreements.
Learning the basics about the Washington divorce process can empower those preparing to file or needing to respond to a spouse's filing. No-fault divorces are the only option currently available in Washington.]]>On Behalf of Everett Family Law, LLC<![CDATA[3 credit card issues that may arise during a divorce]]>https://www.everettlaw.net/?p=495742025-08-06T16:55:20Z2025-08-06T16:55:20Z1. A sudden loss of revolving credit
People preparing for divorce frequently choose to open a new credit account solely in their own name. They do this because shared accounts are often subject to closure or court orders freezing the account immediately after one spouse files. At the same time that people need to pay for a lawyer and establish a separate living space, they may find that they cannot use their usual shared lines of credit.
2. Disagreements about who pays
Most credit card balances accumulated during marriage are potentially part of the marital estate when spouses divorce. Each spouse can take responsibility for certain accounts, or one spouse might accept far more marital property and most of the marital debt.
Spouses may need to think carefully about their income, obligations and personalities. If the other spouse defaults or files for bankruptcy, they may end up responsible for debts that the property division settlement technically allocated to the other spouse.
3. Disputes about rewards
Better credit cards tend to offer valuable rewards for cardholders. Some travel cards offer multiple free plane tickets annually. Couples may have accrued hundreds or even thousands of dollars in cashback rewards. Those rewards are technically part of the marital estate that spouses have to divide at the end of their marriage.
Particularly in scenarios where one spouse has misled the other about their financial activity, used credit cards to fund an affair or spent maliciously immediately prior to the divorce, disputes about credit cards can complicate property division proceedings. Being aware of the challenges related to credit cards during divorce can help people prepare themselves effectively for the financial reality of this process.]]>On Behalf of Everett Family Law, LLC<![CDATA[Understanding temporary and permanent spousal maintenance]]>https://www.everettlaw.net/?p=495512025-07-07T12:07:05Z2025-07-07T12:07:05ZGoing through a divorce can leave you wondering how you will support yourself when the dust settles. In Washington, spousal maintenance is one way the law helps you bridge that financial gap. However, not all support is the same. You might receive temporary payments while your case is pending or permanent maintenance after the divorce is final.
Having a good grasp of the difference between the two can help you protect your financial future and move forward with confidence.
Temporary maintenance helps during your divorce
Temporary spousal maintenance is meant to help you cover your basic needs while the divorce is still in progress. It gives you time to adjust as your life changes. Courts may award temporary support if one spouse earns far less than the other or if one spouse needs help paying for housing, utilities, or groceries during the divorce.The goal of temporary maintenance is to keep your financial situation stable until the divorce is complete. Once your divorce is finalized, temporary support ends unless the court orders further spousal maintenance.
Permanent maintenance looks toward the future
Permanent spousal maintenance is part of your final divorce order. Despite the name, it does not always mean lifelong support. The court looks at many factors when deciding if permanent maintenance is fair.Here are some of the factors Washington courts may consider:
The length of your marriage
Your financial resources and earning ability
Your age, health, and education
The standard of living you shared during your marriage
Each divorce is unique, so the court adjusts the duration and amount of maintenance based on your situation. Permanent maintenance may last for a set number of years or until you become self-supporting.
Seek legal guidance
Spousal maintenance can feel confusing, but you do not have to figure it all out alone. Speaking with an experienced family law attorney can explain your rights, help you calculate fair support and represent your interests in court. Doing so can help you have more confidence in facing the future after divorce.]]>On Behalf of Everett Family Law, LLC<![CDATA[Does remarriage affect how much child support you pay or receive?]]>https://www.everettlaw.net/?p=495472025-06-03T12:34:52Z2025-06-03T12:34:52ZMaybe you just got remarried — or your ex did — and now you’re wondering if that changes how much child support you pay or receive. When a new spouse comes into the picture, especially one with income or children of their own, it’s natural to wonder whether the math shifts and whether the court will expect you to contribute more or allow you to pay less. But in Washington, changes like this don’t always lead where you think they will.
To understand what remarriage really means for your support order, you first need to know how that order got calculated in the first place.
How do Washington courts decide child support amounts?
When courts in Washington calculate child support, they focus on a few key numbers: each parent’s income and the number of children involved. They apply those figures to a statewide support table, then make adjustments for things like health insurance, daycare or other necessary expenses. What they don’t do is factor in your new spouse’s income — not at the start, and usually not later, either. The order reflects your financial responsibility as a parent, not your household’s combined earnings.
Does remarriage change your support order automatically?
It doesn’t. Getting remarried won’t trigger any automatic change to your child support amount, no matter how much your new partner makes or how different your finances feel now. Unless something else major has shifted, the court treats remarriage as a personal decision, not a legal reason to recalculate support. Judges only start asking questions about a new spouse’s income if one parent suddenly stops working, reduces their hours or uses that new relationship to avoid paying what they should.
When can remarriage lead to a change in support?
Even though remarriage doesn’t reset the numbers on its own, it can sometimes lead to changes that justify revisiting the order. Maybe you’ve had another child and now support a larger household, or maybe your financial situation looks different after moving in with your new spouse. In some cases, remarriage can even shift how much time the child spends with each parent, and if that change affects the cost-sharing arrangement, the court may consider adjusting support. But you can’t rely on assumptions or hypotheticals; you’ll need to show real changes that directly impact your ability to meet the financial terms of your current order.
What this means for your next steps
If remarriage has changed your financial situation or stirred up pressure to revisit the support order, don’t wait for things to adjust on their own — the court won’t make a move unless someone asks. You’ll need to file a formal request and show exactly what’s changed and why the current support amount no longer fits. And if you’re not sure whether your situation meets the bar, it helps to talk with someone who knows the system and can help you make the strongest case possible.]]>