Blog - Elise Buie Family Law

Bill and Melinda Gates Announce Split and Ultra High-Net-Worth Divorce With More Than Money at Stake: How They Can Keep Their Divorce Amicable

May 4, 2021

A high-net-worth divorce doesn’t necessarily have to become a circus or take years to finalize. With awareness, a couple with extensive assets can emerge from a divorce financially and emotionally sound, ready for a solid future. But it will require a commitment from both parties to ensure that happens. As a Seattle family law attorney, here are a few of my tips to keep tensions at bay.

5 Last Minute Questions Asked and Answered About Divorce, Taxes, and Your 2020 Return

April 27, 2021

The federal income tax is complicated as is. Factor in a divorce, tax season can become that much more of a headache. If you’re contemplating divorce or are currently in the divorce process, here are five last minute issues you and your ex-spouse should consider before filing your 2020 return.

3 Steps to an Ironclad Prenuptial Agreement

What Is a CR2A and Why Do I Want One?

April 22, 2021

CR2A refers to Court Rule 2A, a Washington State civil rule which governs agreements made out of court. In simple terms, if you and/or your attorneys sign an agreement during mediation, for example, or sometime before a trial, that agreement will be enforceable in court.

Is it Time for a Legal Checkup?

April 15, 2021

It’s important to visit your physician when you notice some change in your health. A medical checkup offers you a chance to discuss issues with your doctor, ask questions, and get professional input on your overall health. Like your annual checkup with your doctor, a regular review of your estate plan with your attorney will help you minimize the risk of future unexpected hardships that might arise from incomplete or outdated documents.

The Importance of Family Dinners After Divorce

April 13, 2021

With the chaos typical during a divorce, it can be easy to let certain traditions fall through the cracks. One common tradition that often falls by the wayside is the family dinner. However, family dinners after divorce can be an important part of the recovery process for everyone, including your ex. Here are a few reasons why.

Getting Divorced? It’s Time To Let Your Wildflowers Grow

April 8, 2021

No one gets married with the expectation they will divorce, and the circumstances surrounding divorce are often unpredictable and heartbreaking. The good news is your divorce doesn’t just mark the end of your marriage. It can also signify the beginning of a period of growth for you.

Should I Include My Retirement And Investment Accounts in My Estate Plan?

April 6, 2021

Probate is the court-supervised process of gathering your assets, paying off your debts and taxes, and distributing what’s left of your estate to your heirs and beneficiaries. However, that doesn’t have to include all assets. Your retirement and investment assets have the potential to bypass probate if located in the type of accounts that can transfer upon death to a designated beneficiary. When considering whether to include your retirement and investment accounts in your estate plan, here’s what you need to know.

An elderly woman sitting while holder her hands

How Estate Planning Can Prevent Elder Abuse

April 1, 2021

Stanley, 73 years old, recently passed away. He never married or had any children. Stanley lived alone in his home and was self-sufficient until his health began to decline last year. Not wishing to burden his nieces and nephews, Stanley took it upon himself to hire a home health aide to come to his home and care for him. The pandemic restrictions prevented his niece, Cathy, with whom he had always had a close relationship, from visiting him. However, she called often. She even made an effort to see him but was only allowed window visits by the care worker and never provided the opportunity for in-person visits before his death. Cathy had no idea her uncle was being neglected and abused. To prevent a similar scenario from happening to you or someone you love, here’s what you should know.

How To Handle Chaos, Change, and Obstacles Due To Divorce

March 30, 2021

Chaos is a part of life. You move along the path your life takes you on, and you get used to the grooves in the road. Until all of a sudden, a twist or turn or bump sends you into a tailspin. Things happen.

Why I Believe in Cleaning Up Finances Before Closets

March 23, 2021

I’ve always been interested in finding ways to take control of my future, especially as I was going through my divorce. So when a friend passed along to me a copy of Marie Kondō’s best-selling book, “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing,” I couldn’t wait to begin reading it.

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