Spokane Family Law Blog

As we all know, Washington state authorities were unable to protect two boys in a custody battle earlier this month. The family's social worker stood helplessly outside the locked doorway while the boys were inside with their father, who had been granted supervised visitation by the court. She called 911, but it was too late. The boys' father doused his house with gasoline and set it on fire, killing everyone inside. In the wake of this horrible tragedy, many states are now questioning their ability to protect children's rights and ensure their safety during custody disputes.

Because judges are given discretion in custody decisions, most states lack laws that specifically address custody issues such as supervised visitation. The judge's assessment of whether a child is in danger primarily determines whether a troubled parent is allowed access to his or her child. The current standard for custody decisions is to make arrangements that are in the best interest of the child.

Valentine's Day might mark more marriage proposals than usual in Washington this year. This is, of course, because the gay marriage bill was passed Wednesday night by the Washington State Senate and the House is expected to pass the legislation as early as next week.

In our Spokane Family Law Blog, we recently discussed what might happen to registered same-sex domestic partners in the Spokane area if this bill is signed into law. Now, as it appears the law could be enacted before cupid draws his bow later this month, it may be important to revisit those issues.

Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire's recent endorsement of the gay-marriage bill brings same sex couples in Spokane and across the state one step closer to being able to legally wed.

Many such couples would consider this a chance to formalize existing commitments. Some of these couples may already be registered in a domestic partnership, and these couples may wonder just how their legal rights would change if they were to wed. 

High-asset divorces in Washington often involve a very complex division of assets. From prenuptial agreements to division of assets, spousal support and equitable distribution statutes - there is much to consider in regard to a dissolution of any marriage.

Recently, actress Zooey Deschanel filed for divorce and her finances were revealed to the public. The actress and musician married Death Cab for Cutie frontman Ben Gibbard in 2009 near Seattle. According to divorce documents, the 31-year-old Deschanel has $1.5 million in the bank and about $1.6 million in stocks and bonds. It has not been reported whether they have a prenuptial agreement that would come into play in a divorce settlement.