Divorce

Stock options and restricted stock units (RSUs) from an employer can make up a large share of a family’s wealth, whether the awards belong to you or to your spouse. Many people assume shares that have not vested yet are off the table in a divorce. In Washington, that...

An inheritance often reflects a family member's hard work and careful planning. When a marriage ends, many people fear losing those assets. That fear is valid. Washington law gives inherited property a specific legal status. But that status is not guaranteed. It...

Divorce can raise difficult questions when you have built your life around your spouse’s military career. You may wonder whether ending your marriage also means losing access to benefits you have relied on for years. Fortunately, certain federal rules can help some...

Divorce can change your household, your budget and your plans for the future. It can also leave you with questions about credit cards, car payments, taxes and the mortgage. In Washington, you need to address debt along with property when you end a marriage....

High-stakes divorces in Washington involve more than just ending a marriage. They require the careful division of a lifetime of wealth. Since Washington is a community property state, the law looks for a just and equitable division of property and debts. This result...

A home, investment account or business interest may begin as your separate property. During your marriage, however, the asset might increase greatly in value. You may wonder who benefits from that growth, especially when shared income, work or improvements helped...

Property division is complicated in any divorce, but divorcing after decades of marriage can make it even more challenging. By the time a couple has been married 20, 30 or even 40 years, they’ve accumulated significant assets, blended their finances and made joint...

Your family home is likely one of the most valuable assets you’ll need to address in your divorce. Many divorcing couples who own their home jointly have no realistic option financially other than to sell their home and divide the proceeds. If, however, you believe...

Divorce may put pressure on your business before anything formally changes. When you own a company, divorce proceedings could take your time and focus away from work. If that happens, employees, customers and business partners may notice delays or uncertainty from the...

Parents who make the decision to divorce have to determine how they’re going to tell their children. This is often one of the most difficult conversations they’ll ever have, but it’s one that can’t be avoided if the divorce is going to move forward.  If you’re in this...