<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" alt="" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=1776397159294363&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">
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.

  • Summer Break & Child Custody: Tips for Co-Parents

    Summer Break & Child Custody: Tips for Co-Parents Making the Most of Your Parenting Time During Summer Visits Summer break brings a welcome change of pace for children, but for parents, it can raise questions about childcare and maximizing quality time. Read on to learn how to make the most of your parenting time during summer break. Parenting Time Tips for the Summer We understand that custody arrangements vary, with some parents enjoying full summer schedules while others share parenting time during the break. For some, summer might be the only time they have physical ...
    Continue reading >>

  • The Potential Challenges in an LGBTQ Divorce

    The Potential Challenges in an LGBTQ Divorce The fight for marriage equality was a hard-won victory for the LGBTQ+ community. However, the legal landscape surrounding divorce for same-sex couples can still be a minefield. While the core issues of emotional turmoil and financial disentanglement remain similar to opposite-sex divorces, LGBTQ+ couples face unique challenges during the divorce process. In this blog, we will discuss those specific challenges in further detail. Child Custody & Same-Sex Divorce Same-sex couples have many options and possibilities when it ...
    Continue reading >>

  • What To Do If You Suspect Your Spouse Is Hiding Assets

    What To Do If You Suspect Your Spouse Is Hiding Assets Financial dishonesty within marriages is not a rarity. Indeed, the National Endowment for Financial Education reports that approximately 43% of adults have admitted to financial infidelity, which involves a party in a relationship intentionally deceiving their partner about money. This can include hiding debts, making major purchases without discussing them, or even having secret bank accounts. Even if a spouse does not breach trust and lie about their assets or debts in a marriage, they may do so during their divorce, which ...
    Continue reading >>

  • Why Consider Divorce Mediation?

    Why Consider Divorce Mediation? Divorce is a complex and emotionally charged process. However, for divorcing couples seeking an amicable and cost-effective resolution, divorce mediation offers a compelling alternative to traditional litigation. A neutral third party, the mediator, facilitates communication and guides couples in working towards mutually agreeable settlements on key issues such as child custody, spousal support, and asset division. Is Mediation Required for Divorce in Washington State? While state law does not require couples to attend ...
    Continue reading >>

  • How Divorce Can Affect Your Retirement

    How Divorce Can Affect Your Retirement Divorce doesn't merely alter your current life circumstances; it can also significantly reshape your long-term financial outlook, especially when it comes to retirement savings. In Washington state, this is primarily due to the community property laws that mandate an equal division of marital assets, including retirement accounts such as IRAs, Roth IRAs, 401K and 403K plans, employee stock options, and Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) funds. Understanding the Division of Retirement Plans 401(k) plans and ...
    Continue reading >>

  • What Happens If a Spouse Won’t Sign Divorce Papers?

    What Happens If a Spouse Won’t Sign Divorce Papers? Can Your Partner Refuse to Sign Divorce Papers? Yes. Your spouse can refuse to sign. In some cases, they may not agree to the terms you have set forth and may wish to pursue a contested divorce. In other cases, they may simply fail to respond to your petition for divorce altogether. In the event of a refusal to sign or respond, however, you still have options to proceed with a divorce. Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce An uncontested divorce is one where both parties agree on all matters related to the dissolution of their ...
    Continue reading >>

  • Child Custody & Religion

    Child Custody & Religion Religion can be a significant factor in a child's upbringing, often influencing their values, behaviors, and worldview. In Washington State's diverse landscape, parents may come from various religious backgrounds, each with its own set of traditions, practices, and holidays. This diversity can present challenges when creating parenting plans following a separation or divorce. According to RCW 26.09.184, the parenting plan shall specify how decision-making authority is allocated between the parents regarding the children's ...
    Continue reading >>

  • Common Issues in a High-Asset Divorce

    Common Issues in a High-Asset Divorce When a marriage ends, dividing assets and reaching a fair settlement can be challenging. But for couples with a high net worth, the stakes are even higher. A high-asset divorce is typically one where the combined value of the marital property exceeds a certain threshold, often around $5 million, though it can vary depending on location, types of assets, and specific circumstances. These divorces involve unique complexities that require careful consideration and strategic planning. Here's why high-asset divorces are different ...
    Continue reading >>

  • What to Know About Child Support & Taxes in Washington State

    What to Know About Child Support & Taxes in Washington State In Washington state, child support is designed to financially assist with raising children after separation or divorce. But how does it impact taxes? Child Support Is Not Taxable Child support is considered a transfer of resources between parents, not income for the receiving parent. This means the IRS doesn't see it as taxable income. The custodial parent can still claim the child as a dependent on their tax return. This can translate to tax benefits like the Child Tax Credit, offering additional financial support for ...
    Continue reading >>

  • McKinley Irvin in Forbes: Committed to Clients

    McKinley Irvin in Forbes: Committed to Clients McKinley Irvin appeared in the April 2024 issue of Forbes magazine “Fortune & Forbes” section. The interview featured McKinley Irvin CEO and founding partner Rita Herrera Irvin, and the firm’s innovative approach to family law. Read the article here:
    Continue reading >>
Page of 58
  • Best Lawyers
  • Best Law Firms
  • Super Lawyers
  • AV Preeminent
  • Puget Sound Business Journal Washington's Best Workplaces 2023
  • American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
  • Best Lawyers - Lawyer of the Year 2024
  • Avvo Rating 10.0
  • "My attorney was very good in and out of the courtroom. Always kept me up to date on any issues that came up. " R.R.
  • "We would highly recommend the knowledgeable and dedicated law firm of McKinley Irvin to anyone who might be seeking legal services. " P.M.
  • "I knew I had made the right decision. From the beginning of my case to conclusion, I knew I had a great team looking out for my best interest. " Christine P.
  • "I cannot imagine two people better able to represent me " M.L.
  • "I always felt my specific needs were very well represented and that I could count on David to be a trusted adviser. " T.M.
Read More