The Subject of Maintenance (Alimony) in Washington State.

This area of divorce is one of the most interesting and malleable as it affects every couple in a different way.  Years ago, a Washington judge by the name of Robert Winsor defined three separate categories of marriages.  They are short term (7 years or less), mid-term, and long-term (25 to 30 years or longer, depending on the ages of the parties).  His article has been cited in appellate court decisions, and it has become a benchmark in determining alimony or “maintenance” within the state.

The most difficult of these to determine is the mid-term marriage of say, 8 to 25 years.  There are so many variables, not the least of which is good old Uncle Sam.  You see, the person receiving the maintenance (alimony) must pay taxes on that amount while the one providing it may deduct it from their income tax return.  Now, there’s something to consider!

The subject of alimony or maintenance in the state of Washington needs to be discussed and handled by someone who has had decades of experience in dealing with it.  In Bellevue, WA may we recommend that you seek the council of Washington state divorce lawyer Lyle Clark.  Discover more about all of your options regarding maintenance by calling Attorney Clark at his office at (425) 452-3092.

Divorce in the State of Washington.

Let’s keep it simple and basic.  If one of the couples seeking a dissolution of marriage lives in the Evergreen State, they can file for divorce without the consent of the other partner.  Washington is what is called a “no fault divorce state”.  Save your energy.  Gone are the days when you have to prove fault or demean your former partner just to end the union.

You may question WHERE you file.  That would be in the county where you or your spouse resides.  How long does the process take?  The minimum waiting period in the state is 90 days.  It will take at least that long for what is known as the Decree of Dissolution to be entered.  However, be prepared that if there are any contested issues it will be a longer process.

For the least stressful method of filing for a dissolution of marriage you need a qualified veteran divorce attorney.  In Bellevue, Washington that is 35 year professional Lyle Clark.  Attorney Clark is a Seattle area dissolution of marriage attorney in the State of Washington.  If you wish to begin the process today, please give Lyle a call at (425) 452-3092.

Knowing More about Wills and Probate.

Besides that taxes thing, one other thing that is certain in this life is death.  It comes to everyone eventually and whether you are prepared for it or not, what happens after your time on this earth matters to your loved ones.  You would never consider abandoning your family while you are here, but do you want them to have peace of mind and security when you are gone?

There are some common misunderstandings about this topic.  Among them are - 

1.  The state gets it all.  Not by law, even without a will, but carefully preparing a will makes sure that your wishes are carried out.

2.  Time.  It does NOT take years to resolve probate.

3.  I will have nothing left to give.  You might be surprised.

4.  I am the oldest child so I will get all of my parent’s estate.

5.  The cost of probate will eat up my estate.  Really???  Certainly not in the state of Washington.

Find out for yourself.  Cut through the questions about wills and probate by calling a professional with over 35 years in this business.  He is Bellevue, Washington will and probate attorney Lyle Clark.  If you have a question regarding what to do with your possessions when you are no longer with us then call attorney Lyle M. Clark, Jr. at (425) 452-3092.

Considering Divorce in the State of Washington?

It is one of the most impactful decisions you will ever make, especially if there are minor children in the home.  Please give it careful consideration.  In Washington state divorce is officially called “dissolution of marriage”.  Note that common law marriage is not recognized by the court system.  However, it is important to note that a court may divide up property acquired during a relationship when it finds that the partners have lived in a quasi-marital situation.  Marriage between partners of the same sex is recognized in Washington, as are Domestic partnerships.  Either may be dissolved with the same process as a marriage dissolution.

Here is some of what you may expect.  The court will consider all of the family’s liabilities as well as its assets, whether owned separately or acquired during the marriage as community property.  Their task is to be “fair and equitable,” which does not necessarily translate into “equal”.  One of the spouses (partners) may be required to pay maintenance (alimony).  And perhaps most importantly, the dependent children will have residency and visitation decisions made on their behalf.

All of this is stressful enough.  To go into the process without a trained veteran family law lawyer on your side is just plain folly.  In the Seattle area the right choice is Bellevue, WA divorce attorney Lyle M. Clark Jr.  For more than 35 years he has dealt with all matters of Washington state family law.  Begin this important process in your life by calling Lyle at (425) 452-3092.

Minors Applying for SSI

If you need to apply for SSI for someone under the age of 18 you need to know some of the rules.  The first step will be to complete an application for Supplemental Security Income AND a child disability report.  In this report you will delineate the specific disabling condition of the child and how it affects their ability to function.

Here are some helpful steps to begin your journey –

1.  Look over the Child Disability Starter Kit.  You will have basic questions answered and have a worksheet from which to work.

2.  Contact your local Social Security office.  Find out if you are within the income limits to start the process.

3.  Fill out the report online.  You will be asked for a medical release to allow Social Security to obtain records from the child’s doctor(s) in order to assess the nature of the disability.

The legal issues relating to child’s disability claims are complex.  If your application is denied you need to seek the counsel of someone who is intimately familiar with the process.  In the Seattle area that man is Lyle M. Clark Jr.  Lyle is a professional SSI attorney located in Bellevue, WA.  Tap into his more than three and a half decades of experience on matters of obtaining SSI benefits for a minor by calling (425) 452-3092.

Legal Separation vs. Divorce.

The distinction can be very confusing.  This decision will be one of the most important of your life.  Divorce or legal separation.  Which is best for you and your family?  It is essential to educate yourself on the legal and emotional effects that both possibilities will have on your future.  If you decide to hold off on filing for divorce, making your separation legal is also important to fully understand … it is not just a matter of leaving the household.

In Washington State, a legal separation proceeding is identical to a marriage dissolution, except that the court does not dissolve the marriage.  Your finances are kept separate.  Things like child custody and support as well as spousal maintenance may be ordered by the court.  When you divorce, the marriage is formally ended and you may proceed with your life including marrying someone else.  With a legal separation you obviously cannot remarry. However, a decree of legal separation may be converted to a decree of marriage dissolution later on upon the request of either party.

There is a great deal more to understand from an experienced family attorney.  Before you make an important life-changing decision in the Seattle area call on Lyle M. Clark Jr., a professional family law attorney located in Bellevue, WA.  Call him on matters of family law and tap in to his 35+ years of experience at (425) 452-3092.

Smart Estate Planning.

When you are thinking ahead you are usually thinking smart.  Planning for the future of your family after you are gone is certainly no exception.  Who makes those future vital decisions that celebrate a life well lived?  Start with a clearly crafted, will written with all of the i’s dotted and t’s crossed and you have already achieved great peace of mind.

Some things to remember as you do –

1.  Don’t forget life insurance.  You don’t want expenses to pile up on your loved ones.

2.  We recommend durable powers of attorney so that someone can manage your financial affairs and make medical decisions for you if you are incapacitated.

3.  Discuss probate with your attorney.  Probate in Washington State CAN be as simple as filling out some forms and paying a few hundred dollars to have the papers filed.

All of this is the purvey of an experienced attorney.  That is why you call on the veteran expertise of someone who has been dealing with estates in the Seattle area for 35 years.  That man is Lyle M. Clark Jr. - a professional estate planning attorney located in Bellevue WA.  Call him on matters of estate planning from start to finish at (425) 452-3092.