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.

  • Splitting Assets in a Divorce: What Not to Overlook

    Splitting Assets in a Divorce: What Not to Overlook Marital vs. Separate Property in Washington Before we dive into what assets to make sure you consider, it is important that we remind you that Washington is a community property state. Legally, property and monetary rights acquired before your marriage, as well as gifts and inheritances received before or after your marriage, are your separate property. Separate property is not divisible and remains the property of the spouse who acquired the assets. Marital (or community) assets are subject to division in divorce and are ...
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  • McKinley Irvin Ranked by Best Law Firms® in 2025

    McKinley Irvin Ranked by Best Law Firms® in 2025 McKinley Irvin is honored to announce its inclusion in the prestigious 2025 Best Law Firms® rankings published by Best Lawyers in America®. This recognition speaks to the firm’s longstanding commitment to client-centered service and leadership in family law. McKinley Irvin was ranked Tier 1 in the Seattle metro area for family law and family law mediation, and Tier 2 in the Portland, Oregon metro area for family law. To be considered for this milestone achievement, at least one lawyer in the law firm must be recognized in ...
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  • Mental Illness & Child Custody

    Mental Illness & Child Custody Parental Mental Illness & Child Custody Navigating the complexities of a custody case is challenging for any parent. Still, when mental illness is introduced into the equation, the stakes and sensitivities can become even more pronounced. In this blog, we discuss how the court may view a parent’s mental illness and what evidence parents can use to show that their condition doesn’t impact the child’s well-being negatively. Mental Illness & Its Impact on the Best Interest of the Child While a parent's mental illness does not ...
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  • How Long Does Spousal Support Last?

    How Long Does Spousal Support Last? Divorce is a complex process that involves numerous financial considerations, each with the potential to significantly impact one's economic well-being and future prospects. Alimony—also known as spousal support or maintenance—often plays a crucial role in the divorce settlement. Alimony is a vital component of many divorce agreements. It provides financial assistance to a spouse who requires support based on various factors, including the other party's ability to pay. This arrangement aims to help the recipient spouse ...
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  • Managing Your Finances During Divorce

    Managing Your Finances During Divorce Divorce is a complex emotional and logistical process. Throughout the divorce process and after finalizing your divorce, it is crucial that you safeguard your financial health. Below, we discuss key steps to take control of your finances throughout the divorce process: Understanding Your Financial Situation To protect your future finances, you first need to know your current financial situation. Collect bank statements, credit card statements, investment records, pay stubs, tax returns, and mortgage statements. This ...
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  • Tips to Make Long-Distance Co-Parenting Work

    Tips to Make Long-Distance Co-Parenting Work A non-residential co-parent is a parent who lives apart from their child but maintains a significant role in their life. This arrangement can arise from various circumstances, including divorce, separation, or other life changes. While the physical distance between parent and child may differ, the parental role and responsibilities remain intact. A non-residential co-parent continues to play an active part in their child's life, making decisions about their upbringing and maintaining a strong emotional connection. ...
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  • Misconceptions About Asset Division in Washington State

    Misconceptions About Asset Division in Washington State Myths About Dividing Assets in Divorce Who gets the house? What happens to the family business? And who keeps the engagement ring ? These are just a few concerns when dividing assets in a divorce. This complex process can become even more complicated if either party has misconceptions about the divorce process and Washington laws. This blog will debunk common myths and offer you the truth. Whether you're considering divorce or in the midst of it, this blog aims to equip you with the knowledge you need to make informed ...
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  • Understanding Mediation & Arbitration in Family Law

    Understanding Mediation & Arbitration in Family Law Mediation, Arbitration, and Med-Arb in Family Law The dissolution of a marriage or the termination of a domestic partnership can be a complex and emotionally charged process. In navigating the legal intricacies of property division, child custody, and spousal support, many couples seek alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods to mitigate the stress and expense of traditional litigation. Mediation and arbitration are two prominent ADR options, with “med-arb” emerging as a hybrid approach. Mediation: A Collaborative ...
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  • Considerations When Selling Your Home After a Divorce

    Considerations When Selling Your Home After a Divorce The decision to sell a family home after a divorce is a significant one, often fraught with emotional and financial implications. Several factors may influence this choice. One common reason is to liquidate assets and divide the proceeds according to the terms of the divorce agreement. This approach can provide a clean break and help both parties move forward financially. Additionally, selling the home can avoid the ongoing costs and responsibilities of maintaining a property that no longer serves as a shared living space. ...
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  • Paying Child Support: Income Withholding

    Paying Child Support: Income Withholding Income Withholding for Child Support in Washington State Income withholding is a process where a portion of an individual's paycheck is automatically deducted to fulfill child support obligations. In Washington State, income withholding is generally mandatory unless specific circumstances, such as military service or certain types of disability, apply. This system ensures that child support payments are received regularly, helping to guarantee the financial stability of children and their custodial parents. It's a reliable ...
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