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 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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  • Divorce Deposition: What's the Purpose?

    Divorce Deposition: What's the Purpose? What is a Divorce Deposition? A divorce deposition is a formal interview conducted under oath outside of the courtroom. During this process, the attorney for one party questions the other party (or other witnesses) in a divorce case. A deposition may be used as evidence in the legal proceedings. The Aim of a Divorce Deposition The purpose is to gather information, clarify facts, and potentially gather evidence for the case. During depositions, attorneys determine witness credibility, prepare for potential cross-examination, ...
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  • 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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