Meridian Family Law Legal Blog
What Is the Best App for Co-Parenting Communication?
There is no single co-parenting app that works best for every family, since the right choice depends on what a parenting plan actually requires, such as message logging, expense tracking, or shared calendars. Several apps are widely used by separated and divorced parents specifically because…
Does Washington Have Common Law Marriage?
Washington does not recognize common law marriage. A couple can live together for years, share bills, raise children, and act like spouses, but that alone does not create common law marriage in Washington state. To be legally married in Washington, a couple must meet the…
Washington State Legal Separation: A Complete Guide
A court order for separation allows spouses to remain married while establishing binding allocation of property, debt, child support, parenting, and possible spousal maintenance. It can give you structure when divorce does not feel like the right step yet, but it is still a formal…
The Basics of Co-Parenting and Why It Can Benefit Your Child
When parents separate or divorce, co-parenting is the arrangement that keeps both of them involved in their child's life. It means sharing schedules, exchanging information, and making decisions that protect the child's stability and well-being. In Washington, this arrangement is typically formalized through a court-approved…
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…
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