Family Law Blog

McKinley Irvin Blog

A little knowledge can go a long way to protect your assets and family relationships. Planning can save headaches and money, and can provide peace of mind. The articles and tips in this section of the McKinley Irvin website are intended to help you understand and prepare for some of the more common issues you’ll encounter in a divorce, child custody, or other family law matter.

Please be advised that family cases can be very complex. The information provided here should not be construed as legal advice in your case.

  • McKinley Irvin Welcomes Yina Finch to our Kirkland Office

    McKinley Irvin Welcomes Yina Finch to our Kirkland Office McKinley Irvin is pleased to welcome attorney Yina Finch to our Kirkland office. Yina began her legal career as a domestic violence victim advocate, accompanying survivors to court and providing emotional support. Witnessing the impact of strong legal representation inspired her to become a family law attorney. Yina earned her J.D. at the University of Washington School of Law, where she served as editor of the Washington Law Review and was a Hazelton Fellow. She is a Washington State Certified Sexual Assault and Domestic ...
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  • McKinley Irvin Welcomes Sarah Hovland to our Seattle and Everett Offices

    McKinley Irvin Welcomes Sarah Hovland to our Seattle and Everett Offices McKinley Irvin is pleased to welcome Sarah Hovland as a Senior Attorney in our Seattle and Everett offices. With over a decade of experience in family law, Sarah focuses on child custody, parenting plans, child support, and domestic violence protection orders. She is dedicated to helping clients navigate complex family transitions with clarity and confidence, ensuring they have the legal support they need to move forward. In addition to her practice, Sarah serves as a Commissioner Pro Tempore in King County, where she ...
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  • Child Support Income Withholding: Reporting Requirements

    Child Support Income Withholding: Reporting Requirements Child Support Income Withholding When a parent falls behind on their child support payments or the child support orders ask for income withholding, the Division of Child Support (DCS) at the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services can issue an Order/Notice to Withhold Income (OWI) to the non-custodial parent's employer. This order requires the employer to withhold a portion of the employee's wages and send it directly to the Washington State Support Registry to be applied toward the child support ...
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  • Creating Financial Resolutions Post-Divorce

    Creating Financial Resolutions Post-Divorce How Does Divorce Affect Your Individual Finances? Divorce invariably impacts individual finances, often leading to a significant reevaluation of one's financial situation. It typically involves the division of shared assets, potential alimony or child support payments, and the need to sustain a household on a single income. This financial reshuffling can lead to short-term instability and necessitates long-term financial planning to ensure stability. With the new year upon us, it's an opportune time to establish financial ...
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  • How to Prepare for Divorce Mediation

    How to Prepare for Divorce Mediation A Brief Overview: What Is Divorce Mediation? Divorce mediation is a cooperative process where separating couples work with a neutral third party, called a mediator, to negotiate the terms of their divorce. In Washington State, mediation can be a cost-effective and less adversarial alternative to traditional litigation, allowing couples to maintain more control over the outcome of their separation. Typically, mediation sessions in Washington progress through several stages. The process often begins with an introductory ...
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  • What to Do When a Spouse Empties Joint Bank Accounts

    What to Do When a Spouse Empties Joint Bank Accounts Divorce is a challenging process, and financial matters can quickly become contentious. One particularly sensitive issue is the handling of joint bank accounts. If you're going through a divorce in Washington state, it's crucial to understand your rights and responsibilities regarding shared finances. Each Party’s Right to Money in Joint Bank Accounts In Washington state, the concept of community property plays a significant role in divorce proceedings. As a community property state, Washington considers most assets acquired ...
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  • What Does a Divorce Attorney Do?

    What Does a Divorce Attorney Do? Roles & Responsibilities of a Divorce Lawyer Below, we outline how attorneys help their clients with specific facets of the divorce process. It is important to note that the specific responsibilities of an attorney can vary based on your specific needs and their services. During your initial consultation with an attorney, they will ask you questions to assess whether your case is a fit for their firm; you should also have questions prepared that can aid in your search for the right attorney. 1. Legal Counsel & Representation ...
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  • Including Pets in Domestic Violence Protection Orders

    Including Pets in Domestic Violence Protection Orders Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that affects not only human victims but also their beloved pets. In Washington State, there are legal provisions that protect both humans and animals from abuse. Protection orders, also known as restraining orders, are legal documents issued by a court to protect individuals from harassment, abuse, or threats. These orders typically prohibit the abuser from contacting or coming near the victim, their home, workplace, or other frequented locations. In cases of domestic violence, ...
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  • How Technology Impacts Co-Parenting

    How Technology Impacts Co-Parenting Technology has revolutionized nearly every aspect of our lives, fundamentally altering how we interact, work, and maintain relationships. It has also influenced family structures and communication, from parent-child relationships to co-parent dynamics. While it's true that technology can sometimes create challenges, its impact on co-parenting relationships has been largely positive, offering innovative solutions to age-old problems. The Benefits of Technology for Co-Parents Below, we outline some specific advantages of using ...
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  • McKinley Irvin Partner Brian Edwards Named Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

    McKinley Irvin Partner Brian Edwards Named Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers McKinley Irvin is delighted to announce that partner Brian Edwards has been named a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML). Founded in 1962, the AAML is dedicated to promoting professionalism and excellence in family law. Fellows are recognized leaders in the field, chosen for their expertise in handling complex family law cases, their skill in litigation and negotiation, and their high regard among judges and peers. Admission to the academy is by invitation only, following a rigorous selection and ...
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