Recent Posts in the Tacoma Office Category

• How the Hague Convention Impacts Child Custody Cases

  Jul 12, 2024
  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 ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• Disproportionate Award of Assets in a Divorce

  Jul 5, 2024
  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 ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• Examples of Joint Custody Schedules

  Jun 28, 2024
  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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• Expert Witnesses & Their Use in Divorce Cases

  Jun 21, 2024
  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

  Jun 20, 2024
  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 ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• What Are the Advantages of Arbitration in Family Law Matters?

  Jun 14, 2024
  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

  Jun 10, 2024
  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?

  Jun 7, 2024
  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 ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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