Family Law Attorney in Vancouver, Washington

Our families are the most important parts of our lives. However, when married couples want to break from each other, family conflicts can arise, leading to legal disputes that can be complex and difficult to navigate.  

Handling complicated family law matters can be an emotionally difficult time for everyone involved. At Keystone Family Law, we know that anything that has to do with your family is a delicate and sensitive matter. Our family law attorney in Vancouver, Washington, is dedicated to protecting the rights of her clients and making sure that their families’ well-being comes first. Keystone Family Law also serves all of the cities in Clark County. 

Children and Divorce in Washington 

Family law issues involving children can be some of the most challenging and sensitive to navigate when going through a divorce. Some of the most commonly encountered child-related family law issues in divorce cases include:  

• Divorce. When married couples want to dissolve their marriage, they can file a petition for divorce. Washington is one of the many states with “no-fault” divorce laws. It means that if you want to end your marriage, you are not required to prove that your spouse is to blame for the dissolution of your marriage. It is enough to prove that you and your spouse no longer get along (known as “irreconcilable differences”). 

• Child custody. Child custody cases are among the most emotional and stressful family law issues parents can face. Child custody in Washington is determined based on the best interests of the child, which means the court considers a variety of factors when making a decision, such as the relationship between the child and each parent, each parent’s ability to provide for the child’s basic needs, and many more.  

• Child support. Child support is another critical issue that often arises in relation to child custody. Washington uses an “income shares” model for calculating child support, which considers the incomes of both parents and how much time the child spends with each. The primary goal of child support is to ensure that the child’s basic needs are met, including food, clothing, shelter, and medical care.  

• Child custody and child support modifications. Modifications to child custody or child support orders are possible if there has been a significant change in circumstances. Common reasons for requesting a modification include a change in employment resulting in higher earnings, relocation, or changes in the child’s needs.  

• Child relocation. If a parent has legal custody of a child and wants to move out of the school district, they must get permission from the other parent or the court before doing so. There is a rebuttable presumption the move will be allowed. The non-primary parent must show how the move is not in the best interests of the child or the primary parent. The court will consider factors such as the distance of the move, the reason for the move, the proposed new living arrangements, and the child’s need for continuity and stability.  

• College support. A parent may seek an order requiring both parents to provide support for a child’s college education by filing a petition before the child turns 18 or graduates high school, whichever occurs last. Courts will consider factors such as the financial resources of both parents, the child’s academic ability, and the costs of attending college.  

If you are dealing with any of the above-mentioned child-related issues, an experienced family law attorney can help you find a solution that works for your family and provides the stability and support your children need to thrive. 

Other Family Law Matters 

Family law matters can be multifaceted, which is why it is imperative that you approach them with the help of a skilled attorney. Common family law matters include:  

•  Legal separation. Legal separation is an alternative to divorce. Although the process is similar to divorce, it does not completely dissolve the marriage. In a legal separation, the court determines issues such as the division of property and child custody, visitation, and support. A finalized legal separation can be easily converted to a divorce 6 months after entry.

• Contempt of court. When a court orders a person to do something or refrain from doing something, that person must comply. If they don’t, they risk being held in contempt of court. Contempt of court is a serious issue, and it can have significant consequences.  

• Post-divorce issues. Post-divorce issues are those that arise after the final divorce decree is issued. Post-divorce issues often arise when the divorce order requires the sale of a home. If your divorce order does not contain thorough language regarding the sale, parties may find themselves back in court.

• Domestic violence protection order. Domestic violence can impact both parties involved in family law disputes, and it can be a serious issue that requires legal intervention. If you are a victim of domestic violence, you can seek a domestic violence protection order in Washington. This order can provide protection for you and your family members, including children.  

• Minor guardianship. Minor guardianship is a legal relationship in which a guardian is appointed to care for a minor child who is not the guardian’s biological child. In Washington, minors can have a guardian appointed to them for a variety of reasons, including absent parents or deceased parents.  

• Grandparent visitation. In Washington, grandparents and other legally significant individuals may have the right to seek visitation under certain circumstances. This right is available to those with an ongoing and substantial relationship with the child.  

• Stepparents’ rights. Stepparents do not have the same legal rights as biological parents. In Washington, if a stepparent has developed a substantial relationship with a child, they may seek to establish legal rights through the court system.  

The issues outlined above are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to family law. Reach out to the knowledgeable family law attorney at Keystone Family Law to get the legal counsel you need.