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.

  • How the Hague Convention Impacts Child Custody Cases

    How the Hague Convention Impacts Child Custody Cases In an increasingly interconnected world, the dynamics of family life are more global than ever before. With international marriages and the mobility of families across borders becoming more common, the complexities surrounding child custody disputes have taken on an international dimension. This is where the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction plays a vital role. What Is the Hague Convention? The Hague Convention on Child Abduction, formally titled the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects ...
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  • Disproportionate Award of Assets in a Divorce

    Disproportionate Award of Assets in a Divorce Divorce is a complex emotional and financial undertaking. One of the most contested aspects of divorce settlements involves dividing marital assets. While a 50/50 split might seem fair on the surface, there are situations where a judge may award assets disproportionately to one spouse. What Is a Disproportionate Asset Division? Washington state is a community property state, which divides marital assets equitably between the parties. Equitable does not necessarily mean an equal, or 50/50 division. In some cases, the court ...
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  • Examples of Joint Custody Schedules

    Examples of Joint Custody Schedules Shared Parenting Time Schedules: 6 Examples Divorce or separation can be turbulent, and amidst the emotional upheaval, figuring out child custody can feel overwhelming. If you and your co-parent are committed to shared parenting, then a joint custody schedule might be the right fit for your family. Here are six potential options when it comes to joint custody schedules: 1. Alternating Weeks This schedule allows the child or children to spend one week with one parent and then the following week with the other parent, ensuring ...
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  • McKinley Irvin Seattle Office is Moving to Two Union Square

    McKinley Irvin Seattle Office is Moving to Two Union Square We are pleased to announce that McKinley Irvin is relocating our Seattle office to Two Union Square. This move, effective July 1, 2024, demonstrates our continued commitment to enhancing our work environment. Why the Move? Our new office at Two Union Square boasts state-of-the-art facilities and a collaborative space designed to foster innovation and efficiency. This modern environment will support our employees and help us continue to offer top-notch service to our clients. Transition Timeline The move is currently ...
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  • Expert Witnesses & Their Use in Divorce Cases

    Expert Witnesses & Their Use in Divorce Cases How Are Expert Witnesses Utilized in a Divorce? Divorce proceedings do not always involve a straightforward division of assets and parenting schedules. In many cases, complexities arise that necessitate the expertise of qualified professionals (i.e. expert witnesses). Expert witnesses are individuals who possess specialized knowledge and experience in a particular field. They leverage this expertise to advise the court on specific aspects of the divorce settlement. Their involvement can be crucial in achieving a fair and ...
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  • McKinley Irvin Welcomes Cindy Lee to Tacoma Office

    McKinley Irvin Welcomes Cindy Lee to Tacoma Office McKinley Irvin is pleased to welcome attorney Cindy Lee to our Tacoma office. Cindy’s practice will center on divorce, custody, and other family law matters. With meticulous attention to detail and the ability to recognize the impact of subtle nuances in each case, Cindy is an exceptional advocate. She is dedicated to handling legal issues with care and precision to minimize disruption for clients during difficult periods of their lives. A first-generation college and doctoral graduate, Cindy received her Juris Doctorate ...
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  • What Are the Advantages of Arbitration in Family Law Matters?

    What Are the Advantages of Arbitration in Family Law Matters? Understanding Arbitration Arbitration is a private, contractual method of dispute resolution where the parties involved agree to submit their disagreements to a neutral third party, known as an arbitrator. Unlike courtroom litigation, arbitration proceedings are usually less formal and allow for a greater degree of flexibility in terms of scheduling. The arbitrator, who is often an experienced family law attorney or retired judge, listens to each party's argument, reviews the evidence presented, and then makes a binding ...
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  • McKinley Irvin Named One of Washington's Best Workplaces for the Third Consecutive Year

    McKinley Irvin Named One of Washington's Best Workplaces for the Third Consecutive Year We are proud to announce that McKinley Irvin has been named one of Puget Sound Business Journal’s Best Workplaces in Washington for the third year in a row. The Best Workplaces list is driven by employee feedback. Puget Sound Business Journal’s research partner, Quantum Workplaces, anonymously surveys and scores hundreds of companies each year on employee engagement matters to create a list of finalists. Puget Sound Business Journal explains the significance of the list: “Our annual Washington's Best Workplaces List is an ...
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  • Who Gets the Engagement Ring in a Washington State Divorce?

    Who Gets the Engagement Ring in a Washington State Divorce? Understanding Community Property Laws Washington adheres to the community property doctrine, meaning most assets and debts acquired during the marriage are considered jointly owned by both spouses. This applies to income, property acquired with marital funds, and even appreciation in value of separate property during the marriage. However, there are exceptions for certain types of property, including separate property. Conditional gifts can qualify as separate property under Washington law. These are gifts given to one ...
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  • Summer Break & Child Custody: Tips for Co-Parents

    Summer Break & Child Custody: Tips for Co-Parents Making the Most of Your Parenting Time During Summer Visits Summer break brings a welcome change of pace for children, but for parents, it can raise questions about childcare and maximizing quality time. Read on to learn how to make the most of your parenting time during summer break. Parenting Time Tips for the Summer We understand that custody arrangements vary, with some parents enjoying full summer schedules while others share parenting time during the break. For some, summer might be the only time they have physical ...
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