Meridian Family Law Legal Blog
What Is a Custodial Parent?
In Washington, a custodial parent is the parent a child lives with the majority of the time under the parenting plan. Under RCW 26.09.285, the parenting plan designates this parent as the custodian solely for purposes of state and federal statutes that require a custody…
How to Look Up Divorce Records in Washington State
Most divorce case files in Washington are open to the public, but some documents can be restricted, redacted, or sealed. If you need Washington divorce records, you usually start with the county Superior Court clerk where the case was filed. Next, use statewide search tools…
How Long Does It Take to Get a Divorce in Washington State?
Ending a marriage in Washington often feels like it should move fast once you have made the decision, but state law sets a firm minimum timeline, and real-life steps can speed up or slow down a case. Many people ask, “How quickly can I get…
Keeping the peace: Dealing with divorce during the holidays
The holiday season is supposed to be full of joy, but for families going through a divorce, this time often brings intensified stress and grief. This clash of happiness and change can cause turmoil, especially for children. The celebratory nature of the season magnifies the…
Choosing a more collaborative divorce path in Washington
Filing for divorce can feel overwhelming, bringing emotional pain and financial stress. Traditional court fights often make things worse, draining your energy and resources. Court fights also remove any control you have over the outcome. Fortunately, divorce mediation offers you a less stressful path. Mediation…
What is collaborative divorce?
Divorce is hard. In Washington, you may want a process that reduces conflict and lets your family—not a courtroom—make the decisions. Collaborative divorce defined Collaborative divorce creates a structured, out-of-court process. You and your spouse each hire your own attorney and work with neutral specialists…
Want a smoother divorce? Mediation could be the answer
Divorce doesn’t have to mean a drawn-out courtroom battle. For many couples, mediation offers a more respectful, private and efficient path forward. Instead of focusing on blame or punishment, mediation gives you the chance to make clear-eyed decisions about your future. This process doesn’t just…
Psychology experts find key predictor of divorce
Perhaps a spouse has grown distant and conversations feel forced. Or maybe there is less affection and quality time. Anyone that is concerned about the state of their marriage may worry that their spouse is contemplating divorce. Psychologists have found that those in this situation…
How to get a divorce in King County
Divorce can be a challenging journey, but understanding the stages involved can help ease the process. What does the divorce process involve for couples in Washington? 1. Filing for divorce with the court The divorce process starts with filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage.…
Should you use mediation for a complex divorce?
As you stand at the threshold of a complex divorce, your gaze likely turns not just to the past, but also to the future. You are attempting to lay the groundwork for separate lives, manage substantial assets and co-parent effectively, all under immense pressure. The…