McKinley Irvin Blogs from September 2023

• What Happens When a Parenting Plan is Violated?

  Sep 28, 2023
  When a parent violates a court-ordered or agreed-upon parenting plan, they run the risk of being held in contempt of court. Not only that, but they could face custody and visitation-related consequences if the court considers it to be a serious and consistent enough issue. The parent could be held in contempt for the following: Intentionally and repeatedly violating visitation times Failing to return your child to the other parent on time or at all Trying to alienate your child against the other parent Refusing to allow the ...
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• Common Legal Challenges Blended Families Face During the Divorce Process

  Sep 25, 2023
  The number of blended families has grown significantly in recent decades and there is now greater social acceptance of non-traditional family structures. The modern family can sometimes include the biological children of both partners and stepchildren, which means different legal issues need to be considered by blended families. Child Custody When two people with children of their own marry and create a new family unit, issues like interacting with a spouse’s ex and travel arrangements for periods of custody can sometimes ...
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• Why You Need a Parenting Plan and How to Do It Right

  Sep 18, 2023
  Being a parent is no easy task, especially when you’re going through a separation or divorce. Thankfully, there are several things you can do to make the transition easier on yourself and your children. The most beneficial thing you can do is craft a parenting plan that establishes a clear, fair schedule for both parents and, most importantly, the children. If you are going through a divorce or separation and you require the use of a parenting plan, make sure you know how these documents work and find out what you can do to ...
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• Understanding Emergency Custody Hearings in Washington

  Sep 12, 2023
  In times of crisis, families can face difficult situations that require immediate attention regarding the custody of their children. When it comes to familial disputes, emergency custody hearings can be a crucial step in addressing immediate concerns regarding a child's safety, well-being, or best interests. The purpose of emergency custody hearings is to resolve urgent matters that can’t wait for a regular child custody hearing due to the potential risk of harm to the child. In this blog, we'll review key facts about ...
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• Why Divorce Cases Get Dismissed in Washington

  Sep 11, 2023
  Even when couples are on the same page, navigating the complexities of family law disputes in Washington can be difficult. The intricacies of family court proceedings can be overwhelming and confusing for families and couples alike. Legal snags can sometimes lead to costly and time-consuming setbacks, from overlooking required paperwork to misinterpreting legal jargon. Divorce is often challenging and emotional, and it's crucial to carefully navigate the legal proceedings. In Washington, divorces can sometimes get dismissed ...
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• Pet Custody in Washington

  Sep 7, 2023
  As many people develop a deep connection with their pets and treat them as an essential part of their family, the matter of which spouse gets to keep the pet after a divorce can be a contentious legal issue. Unlike children, there are no “ custody ” laws in the state of Washington for pets because they are considered property under the law. When spouses can't reach an agreement on who should have custody of the pet, judges will generally award the pet to the spouse who was mostly responsible for taking care of it. If there ...
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• Understanding the Gray Divorce Phenomenon

  Sep 1, 2023
  Divorce can be a stressful life event for anyone, regardless of age. While there is a common and widely held belief that half of marriages end in divorce, this is not a fact—partly because the divorce rate is challenging to measure due to variances in a range of factors, from timing to generational differences to geographic location. In reality, research shows that the divorce rate peaked at 41% in the 1980s and has been in a slow but steady decline ever since. However, this isn’t the case for older U.S. couples. Since 1990, ...
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