McKinley Irvin Blogs from February 2024

• Can I Date Other People Before My Divorce Is Final?

  Feb 28, 2024
  Starting a new relationship during the process of divorce can be a complex and emotionally charged decision. While it might seem like a good idea to move on and start fresh, dating before your divorce is finalized can have legal, emotional, and practical implications. This blog aims to discuss this sensitive issue generally; however, it’s always recommended to seek advice from a legal professional tailored to your specific circumstances. The Implications of Dating During Your Divorce Proceedings Dating before your divorce is ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
  Continue reading >>

• Planning for the Kids' College Education After Divorce

  Feb 23, 2024
  Parents can have very different ideas about college regardless of the status of their marriage. However, these differences of opinion can become more divisive once a marriage has ended and the ex-spouses have started new lives and, possibly, new families. Planning for post-secondary education in the context of a divorce is further complicated by the fact that not all states will order a parent to pay support to a child after the child reaches the age of majority. The following are three essential steps that you should take ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
  Continue reading >>

• Property Division in Washington State FAQ

  Feb 19, 2024
  Deciding how to divvy up your possessions and debts in a divorce is often one of the most difficult and tedious aspects in splitting up. Whether you have been together for 10 years or 10 months, you’ve likely accumulated assets as a married couple and deciding who gets what is a sensitive, stressful, and often confusing process. In order to make the divorce process a bit more manageable and transparent, we’ve answered some of the most commonly asked questions regarding property division in Washington. If you’re going through ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
  Continue reading >>

• Do I Need Grounds for Divorce in Washington?

  Feb 16, 2024
  Understanding Divorce Laws in Washington State In Washington, divorce law operates on the principle of “no-fault,” making it one of the “no grounds” states. This means that you do not need to present any evidence of wrongdoing or fault by your spouse to file for divorce. Instead, one party simply needs to believe that the marriage is irretrievably broken, which serves as a sufficient ground for the dissolution of marriage. This no-fault system aims to reduce potential conflicts and make the process of divorce less ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
  Continue reading >>

• What Is a Toxic Divorce?

  Feb 12, 2024
  A toxic divorce is a dissolution of marriage that's characterized by intense negativity, conflict, and possibly even abuse. In these situations, one or both parties may engage in harmful behaviors such as constant criticism, manipulation, refusal to communicate, or using children as pawns in their battles. The hostility and bitterness permeate every interaction, making it difficult for the divorce to proceed in a healthy, constructive manner. Signs of a toxic divorce can be quite apparent. The communication between the ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
  Continue reading >>

• Co-Parenting & Discipline: How to Maintain Consistency and Compassion

  Feb 9, 2024
  Being a parent isn’t easy, especially when you share your parenting time with your ex-spouse. The two of you may no longer be a couple, but you are both responsible for raising your child with love, consistency, and healthy boundaries. Acclimating to life as a single parent can be very difficult, especially if the divorce is causing your child to act out or if you and your ex have disagreements on how you want to parent your child. Keep in mind that you are all taking on new roles, so an adjustment period is perfectly ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
  Continue reading >>

• Enforcing Child Support in Washington

  Feb 2, 2024
  If a parent who has been ordered to pay child support fails to fulfill their legal obligation, then the parent who is collecting support can take action to enforce the child support order. The Division of Child Support (DCS) has the power to start collection actions against a noncustodial parent who fails to make child support payments. The custodial parent also has the option to file an enforcement action with the court if they want to request a judgment regarding the delinquent parent’s failure to pay child support. Common ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
  Continue reading >>

• McKinley Irvin Welcomes Katie McGinley to our Vancouver Office

  Feb 1, 2024
  McKinley Irvin is pleased to welcome family law attorney Katie McGinley to the firm as a Senior Attorney in our Vancouver office. A certified mediator and trained collaborative divorce lawyer, Katie tailors her approach based on her client’s circumstances and desired outcome. Her experience as a former certified life coach adds another dimension to her skill set, enabling her to excel in active listening, assist individuals in identifying their interests, and offer valuable encouragement. Originally from Portland, Katie ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
  Continue reading >>