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Establishing Paternity in Washington: What You Need to Know

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Establishing paternity is a crucial step for many families in Washington, especially for unmarried parents or those uncertain of their parental rights and responsibilities. Determining paternity not only defines the legal connection between a father and child but also brings significant benefits in terms of custody, support, and access to family medical history. Here’s what … Continued

Child Custody By The Numbers: Stats Every Parent Should Know

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The end of a marriage or relationship is never easy, especially when children are involved. For parents facing a divorce or separation, the process of determining child custody can be one of the most emotionally challenging and legally complicated aspects of the split. Heated debates over living arrangements, parenting time, decision-making authority, and support payments … Continued

Paternity vs APR

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When two people have a child together but later decide to separate, establishing parental responsibilities can become complex. In cases involving uncertainty about the father’s identity, issues around paternity and the allocation of parental responsibilities (APR) often arise. Here’s a guide to understanding how paternity actions and APR cases differ and why each is significant. … Continued

Parental Alienation Laws in Washington: Your Legal Options

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Parental alienation, a term describing efforts by one parent to disrupt a child’s relationship with the other parent, is a complex and emotionally charged issue. In Washington State, where family law prioritizes the best interests of the child, understanding the legal context and consequences of parental alienation can be vital for parents seeking custody or … Continued

Key Considerations in Step-Parent Adoption

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Step-parent adoption is the most common form of adoption in the United States, accounting for approximately 50% of all private adoptions. This process allows a step-parent to assume full legal rights and responsibilities for their spouse's child, often cementing a bond already formed within the blended family. While the process can be rewarding to bring … Continued

Healing In The Workplace: Insights From Haeli Harris, LMFT

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Join us as MFL's Marketing & Communications Team sits down with Haeli Harris, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Director of Clinical Operations at Nivati, and a skilled yoga instructor, to discuss the intricate relationship between divorce, mental health, and the workplace. This interview explores the common challenges and effective strategies for managing personal upheavals … Continued

Blended Families: Strategies for a Happy, Harmonious Household

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Blended families are becoming increasingly common in the U.S., with approximately 16% of children living in stepfamilies, according to the Pew Research Center. While blending families can provide new opportunities for connection and growth, it also comes with its challenges as members adjust to new roles, relationships, and dynamics. Incorporating expert advice from certified parent … Continued

Expanding Legal Access: Insights On Colorado’s LLP Journey

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The third LinkedIn Live Virtual Panel event hosted by Modern Family Law highlighted the experiences of Colorado’s pioneering Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals (LLPs). Led by Sarah Bella, the panel featured insights from Melissa Simonton, Janet Price, and Kris Freeman—three of the first LLPs practicing under Colorado’s innovative program. This discussion offered a glimpse into the early … Continued

Empathy In Action: Diana McCormick’s Sales Strategy At MFL

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In this interview, Diana McCormick, Sales Manager at Modern Family Law, sits down with MFL's Marketing & Communications Team to discuss her role, approach, and vision for supporting both clients and attorneys. With over two decades of experience, Diana brings a compassionate and client-focused approach to sales, breaking down stigmas and fostering meaningful connections. Her … Continued

Declarations of Invalidity (Annulments) In Washington

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While divorce is the most common means of ending a marriage, certain situations call for a different approach: a declaration of invalidity, often referred to as an annulment. Unlike a divorce, which dissolves a legally valid marriage, a declaration of invalidity declares that the marriage was never legally binding. This article outlines the process, requirements, … Continued

How Long Can You Be Married And Still Get An Annulment?

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When it comes to ending a marriage, most people think of divorce. However, there is another option for some: annulment. While both annulment and divorce can legally end a marriage, they do so in different ways. An annulment treats the marriage as if it never existed, declaring it legally invalid. But how long can you … Continued

When Is Divorce Mediation Not Recommended?

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Divorce is a complex and emotional journey that many couples face. One of the methods couples can choose to facilitate their divorce process is mediation. Mediation involves a neutral third party who helps the divorcing couple reach agreements on various aspects of their divorce, such as property division, child custody, and alimony. While this process … Continued

LLP Monthly Report – Issue 3

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Introduction to Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals The Colorado Licensed Legal Paraprofessional (LLP) initiative is a pioneering program authorized by the Colorado Supreme Court, creating a new class of legal service provider. Although not attorneys, LLPs are licensed to undertake specific legal tasks, such as preparing documents, collecting information, and offering basic legal guidance. This initiative aims … Continued

Debt, Divorce, and Washington Law: How to Protect Your Finances

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Divorce is a life-altering process that impacts every aspect of a person’s life, including finances. In Washington, the division of debt can be just as critical as the division of assets, leaving individuals with many questions about how to protect their financial future during divorce proceedings. Understanding how Washington courts handle debt division and the … Continued

Am I Responsible For My Spouse’s Debt In Divorce?

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Divorce can be emotionally taxing, but it also has financial implications that many people are unprepared for—especially when it comes to debt. One of the most common concerns is whether you’ll be held responsible for your spouse’s debt after the marriage ends. Understanding how debt is divided during divorce is crucial for protecting your financial … Continued

Dividing Debt In Divorce: Navigating Financial Complexity

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Divorce, even under the best circumstances, is never simple. When significant assets are in the mix, it becomes an even more complex journey. In this article, we'll simplify the intricate world of high-net-worth divorces, breaking down key elements for your understanding. From expert guidance and tax considerations to child support complexities and property division intricacies, … Continued

Empowering Parents: Amanda Irtz On Navigating Divorce

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In the complex journey of parenting through a divorce, the guidance of a seasoned expert can be a beacon of hope and clarity. Certified Parent Coach Amanda Irtz, with over two decades of experience and a profound commitment to enhancing family dynamics, offers invaluable insights in this enlightening interview conducted by MFL's Marketing & Communications … Continued

Collaborative Divorce In Washington

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Many couples seek ways to avoid the adversarial nature of traditional courtroom proceedings when facing divorce. Collaborative divorce offers an alternative approach emphasizing cooperation, open communication, and problem-solving. This method not only reduces stress but also provides a more personalized solution that can better address the needs of both parties. In Washington state, collaborative divorce … Continued