Recent Posts in the Tacoma Office Category

• What to Do When a Spouse Empties Joint Bank Accounts

  Dec 16, 2024
  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 ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• What Does a Divorce Attorney Do?

  Dec 9, 2024
  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 ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• Including Pets in Domestic Violence Protection Orders

  Dec 2, 2024
  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, ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• Divorce Deposition: What's the Purpose?

  Nov 18, 2024
  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, ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• Splitting Assets in a Divorce: What Not to Overlook

  Nov 12, 2024
  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 ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• McKinley Irvin Ranked by Best Law Firms® in 2025

  Nov 7, 2024
  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 ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• Mental Illness & Child Custody

  Nov 4, 2024
  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 ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• How Long Does Spousal Support Last?

  Oct 28, 2024
  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 ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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