Children do best when they have strong and supported relationships with both of their parents. Your role is an important one, one that should be secured and supported. You do not have to get lost in the divorce and parenting plan processes. The court is guided by the “best interests of the child” principle. Whether we are working together to sort out your matters in court, mediation, or collaboration, we will make sure to uphold your priorities and work with you to put your children’s needs first.
You deserve an attorney who understands the importance of your role and the value you bring to your family. Our experienced family law attorneys will help you demonstrate the importance of your impact as a father to the court, mediator, and even to your ex.
Both parents are required to support their child in Washington State. Child support is a means to provide financial support for your child as they grow. If you have questions about paying or receiving child support, one of our family law attorneys can assess your unique situation and provide guidance.
If you have been raising your child together, then you are a co-parent. Two individuals trying to do what is in the best interests of their child are, by definition, co-parents. Co-parenting takes a little more practice and effort when the household is no longer intact and both parents have established separate lives.
Have a life, have friends, interests, maybe even a therapist; you are modeling success for your child.
Our team works with families where both parents have been working, where one has been working part-time, or where one parent stays home. No matter how your family has been supported financially, divorce can be a time of change.
Whether you have been staying at home or supporting your spouse in their parenting role, our experienced divorce attorneys can help you make a plan for the future to put your family’s economic security on track. We are here to help answer your questions, educate you about your options, and provide you the resources you need to plan for that next step.
As a dad, you have likely done everything you can to protect your children, to help ensure they can successfully transition to adulthood and thrive. Nothing can protect your children from the fact that one day you will no longer be with them. Investing in a comprehensive estate plan can help protect your minor child and their inheritance. A well-thought-out plan will allow your adult child to understand your wishes, ease their burden, and let them have time to focus on grieving.
Ensuring your estate plan is maintained and updated as your life changes are just as important as the initial creation. Our estate planning attorneys will work with you to determine the best tools to achieve your objectives and meet with you to make necessary adjustments.
Far too many families end up fighting, or at least experiencing tension, over a family inheritance, but it does not have to be that way. Having counseled families for years, we offer the following advice to help your family avoid fighting over your property — while you are here and after you die.
Establishing paternity and parentage is important for many families and parents. Regardless of why you want to establish paternity and parentage, the process has the potential to be confusing, especially if you are unfamiliar with the terms and rules for…
As a mom of four (now adult) kids, I remember well the flood of emotions that came each time they went to my ex’s, especially during the early days of my separation and eventually after my divorce. Not only was…
In Washington state, if you are involved in a custody dispute, which involves difficult questions related to specific needs for your children or serious parenting deficits (such as mental health, substance abuse, or domestic violence), an evaluation service may be…
Divorce can be an emotionally grueling process, especially when you have children. In addition to coming to terms with how your own day-to-day is going to evolve, your children, too, will have to get used to seeing their lives change,…
For parents, divorce often raises many questions surrounding extracurricular activities. These questions usually include whether the children will get to participate in the extracurricular activities (sports, performing arts classes, music lessons, art classes, etc.) they did before the divorce, expanded…
Becoming a single parent, especially after being married and having a partner to share in the physical and emotional labor, can be a challenging transition. The role of single parent, even for those in a healthy co-parenting relationship with their…
The expression “in sickness and in health” is common in wedding ceremonies of all faiths. So when most people recite these words, it is probably safe to assume that they envision themselves married at a time when the unthinkable may…
Until 1987, Washington, like most states, awarded “custody” of the children to one of the parents at the conclusion of a divorce or separation case. This changed with the passage of the Parenting Act. Today, instead of ordering child custody,…
As a co-parent during or following divorce, you may no longer have the authority to make certain unilateral decisions regarding your children’s health and well-being. The restrictions on making decisions unilaterally are most commonly related to matters that are considered…
Raising teenagers can be difficult under any circumstances, but add divorce to what can already be a difficult time in child's life and many parents feel find themselves grasping. We have gathered some of the most important things you can do as a parent to help your teenager man...
A Canadian judge recently said yes. According to this article from Insider, a judge ruled an unvaccinated father would not be permitted to see his three children in person because one of the children is immunocompromised. The couple divorced in…
Effective co-parenting during and after divorce is the ultimate act of love you can show for your children. The unfortunate reality for many divorced parents, and even more regrettable for their children, is that divorced parents don’t often fully commit…
Holidays with family can be stressful no matter what the circumstances. They are especially challenging for children with multiple family units due to their parents remarrying and creating new, blended families. For some children, these challenges may include additional extended family, siblings,…
Every child deserves love, stability, and consistency. Is there a child in your life that you have considered adopting, perhaps because they are the child of your spouse or a child you are fostering? Perhaps there is an adult in…