Decoupling Seattle Family Law and Divorce Blog

Can I File a Joint Return After I’ve Filed for Divorce?

katy — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:44:39 +0000

Question

My husband and I split up at the end of September. He says that we can’t file a joint tax return, because we are living apart and I have already filed for divorce.

He thinks that he will be better off by filing separately. But I still have taxes withheld from my pay checks based on a joint return. …

Best Interests of the Child – The Wishes of the Child and the Schedules of the Parents

liz — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:42:14 +0000

In this series, we have been examining Washington cases which help us to understand what exactly the “best interests of the child” standard means, and how it works when applied to a specific family. Our last article examined the fifth factor under RCW 26.09.187(3)(a) – “the child’s relationship with siblings and other adults, as well as…

Best Interests of the Child – Relationship with Siblings and Other Significant Adults

liz — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 22:43:12 +0000

In this series, we’re reviewing Washington cases which help us to understand what exactly the “best interests of the child” standard means, and how it works when applied to a specific family. Our last article examined the fourth factor under RCW 26.09.187(3)(a) – “the emotional needs and developmental level of the child.“ Today, we’re looking at…

Best Interests of the Child – The Emotional Needs and Developmental Level of the Child

liz — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:50:38 +0000

In this series, we’re reviewing Washington cases which help us to understand what exactly the “best interests of the child” standard means, and how it works when applied to a specific family. Last week we discussed the third factor, the “past and future performance of parenting functions“, which relates to each parent’s ability to take care of…

Adventures in Community Property Breaking News – Clayton v. Wilson (2010)

liz — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 18:33:23 +0000

In two previous pop quizzes, we discussed previous Washington court decisions regarding community property and community liability for torts committed by one spouse. To recap: Washington is a community property state, which generally means that all property that a couple acquires during their marriage is considered to be jointly owned by both spouses, and neither spouse can…

Best Interests of the Child – Past and Potential for Future Performance of Parenting Functions

liz — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 01:46:14 +0000

In this series, we’re taking a look at some Washington cases that shed some light on to what the “best interests of the child” standard means, and how it works when applied to a specific family. Last week we discussed the second factor, “the agreements of the parties.” In that article we saw just how much discretion a…

Best Interests of the Child – Agreement of the Parents

liz — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:52:36 +0000

In this series, we’re taking a look at some Washington cases that shed some light on to what the “best interests of the child” standard means, and how it works when applied to a specific family. Last week we discussed the first, and most important factor, “the relative strength, nature, and stability of the child’s relationship with each parent.” …

Best Interests of the Child – The Quality of the Parent Child Relationship

liz — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 21:06:59 +0000

In this series, we’re taking a look at some Washington cases that shed some light on to what the “best interests of the child” standard means, and how it works when applied to a specific family. Today, in this second article in the series, we’re taking a look at the first of the seven factors that Washington courts must consider…

Best Interests Of The Child: What It Means

liz — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:52:18 +0000

If you’ve ever been involved in a child custody dispute in Washington, you are probably familiar with, or have at least heard of the concept of “best interests of the child.” The best interests of the child standard is a Washington court’s primary and most important consideration when making decisions about children. Indeed, we’ve touched on the best interests standard…

I Want to Relocate with My Kids – Do I Need to Tell My Ex?

liz — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:45:51 +0000

Question

My wife and I divorced about 5 years ago. We have two kids. Under our final parenting plan, I am the primary residential parent and my wife sees the kids every other weekend, and once a week during the week. I was recently offered a great new job that will really improve our financial situation. The only problem is…