Seattle Office

Recent Posts in the Seattle Office Category

  • 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 >>

  • What to Do if Co-Parenting Isn’t Working

    What to Do if Co-Parenting Isn’t Working Co-parenting refers to a parenting situation where two parents work together to raise a child even though they are divorced, separated, or no longer living together. In an effective co-parenting setting, both parents maintain their responsibilities toward the child's upbringing, each playing an integral role despite their individual living circumstances or the nature of their personal relationship. The importance of successful co-parenting cannot be understated: it is crucial for a child's mental and emotional well-being. ...
    Continue reading >>

  • Invalidating Marriages in Washington

    Invalidating Marriages in Washington Understanding Marriage Validity Marriage validity refers to the legal recognition of a marital union in the eyes of the law. It is crucial for a marriage to be valid to ensure that both parties are afforded the legal rights and obligations that come with matrimony. Common misconceptions often stem from the misunderstanding that simply living together or having a religious ceremony without a legal civil contract constitutes a valid marriage. In reality, the precise requirements for a valid marriage vary from state to state ...
    Continue reading >>

  • Four Family Law Myths Debunked

    Four Family Law Myths Debunked Just like other areas of the law, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions among the general public regarding family law. When it comes to family law disputes, don’t rely on advice from friends, relatives, or co-workers. Instead, become familiar with the law by using a trusted source. Below, we debunk four common family law myths. Myth #1: Moms Are Always Awarded Custody of the Children One of the most widespread misconceptions about family law is that courts will generally side with the mother in child custody cases. The ...
    Continue reading >>
Page of 41
  • 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