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STORY LAW

Articles for Family Law from Story Law in Bellevue, WA

Family Law Articles from Story Law in Bellevue, WA

Information is Power

Dive into our comprehensive collection of articles on family law.  Every week we explore a wide array of topics, from the intricacies of divorce and custody to the nuances of international and specialized family law. Each piece is designed to enlighten and guide you through the legal landscape, offering valuable insights and updates to keep you informed on the latest in family law practices.

Helping Washington Families Navigate Life's Most Challenging Times for Over 35 Years

Annulments in Washington State

Annulments In Washington State: A Short Guide For Families

Sometimes a marriage is not just difficult—it may never have been legally valid in the first place. When that happens,...

Missed Child Support Payment

What To Do If You Cannot Make a Child Support Payment

Child support plays an important role in ensuring children’s needs are met. But life can bring unexpected financial challenges that...

Child Custody Job Relocation

How Child Custody Is Affected by Job Relocation

When life brings a new job opportunity, it can create both excitement and stress. For parents with custody arrangements in...

Restraining Order Violations

Restraining Order Violations: What To Do If Your Ex Breaks One

A restraining order offers legal protection when a relationship becomes unsafe. But when your ex breaks that order, it can...

Postnuptial Agreement Events

Life Changes That May Require a Postnuptial Agreement

Understanding A Postnuptial Agreement in Washington State Many people are familiar with prenuptial agreements—contracts created before marriage that outline how...

Inheritance and Alimony

Can Inheritance Affect Alimony in Washington State?

Alimony—referred to as “spousal maintenance” in Washington—is a court-ordered payment from one spouse to another after a divorce or legal...

Collaborative Law Child Custody

Collaborative Law in Child Custody Cases at Story Law

Child custody disputes can be emotionally devastating—for parents and especially for children. In Washington State, more families are choosing collaborative...

Legal Separation

When Legal Separation Is Better Than Divorce in Washington

For many couples, the idea of divorce feels premature or overwhelming. In Washington State, legal separation serves as a formal...

Failed Prenuptial Agreements

Why Some Prenuptial Agreements Fail in Washington

Many couples enter into a prenuptial agreement thinking they’ve secured their future. But when divorce becomes a reality, some discover...

Protection Orders

What Protection Orders Can And Can’t Do In Domestic Violence Cases

In situations involving domestic violence or threats of harm, Washington law offers a civil remedy known as a protection order....

How to avoid a Messy Divorce

How to Avoid a Messy Divorce: Legal & Practical Strategies

Divorce doesn’t have to be a destructive, headline-grabbing battle. With planning, communication, and sensible legal support, couples can separate respectfully...

Child Custody in Military

How Child Custody Works for Military Service Members in Washington

Military service presents unique challenges for child custody in Washington, from deployments to Permanent Changes of Station (PCS). While service...

Marriage Annulment

What an Annulment Does — And Doesn’t — Do in Washington

Marriage annulment can feel like a mysterious legal shortcut—almost like magic erasing your marriage entirely. But the reality is more...

Surrogacy Laws in WA State

Surrogacy Law in WA: What Prospective Parents Should Know

Becoming a parent through surrogacy is an extraordinary journey filled with hope, emotion, and intricate planning. But alongside the joys...

Misuse of Child Support

What to Do If Your Child Support Is Not Going to Your Child

Child support is intended to provide for your child’s needs—food, clothing, shelter, and education. But when payments don’t actually benefit...

Child Abuse Options For Help

What to Do If You Suspect Child Abuse by the Other Parent in Washington

Suspecting that your child’s other parent is abusing them is one of the most distressing experiences a parent can face....

Top 10 Questions About Minor Guardianship

Top 10 Questions About Minor Guardianship in Washington

When a child’s parents are unable to care for them—whether due to illness, incarceration, addiction, or absence—Washington courts provide a...

Choosing Divorce Over Separation

When Divorce Is a Better Option Than Legal Separation in Washington

Deciding between divorce and legal separation is one of the toughest choices a couple can face. While separation offers a...

Child Custody Litigation Terms

Top Child Custody Terms Every Parent Should Understand

1. Legal Custody Legal custody refers to the right to make important decisions about your child’s upbringing. This includes choices...

Divorce Litigation Terms

Top 10 Divorce Litigation Terms People Often Misunderstand

Divorce is hard. Between the emotional toll, financial uncertainty, and changes to your family dynamic, the last thing you need...

Child Custody

Child Custody Disputes When a Parent Leaves the State

Few moments are more terrifying than discovering your co-parent has taken your child out of state without your consent. Whether...

Military Divorce

Military Divorce in Washington: What Makes the Process Different?

The divorce process is already emotionally and legally complex—but if one or both spouses are active-duty military members, that complexity...

Alimony Details In Washington State

Alimony in Washington: What Determines the Amount and Duration?

Alimony—also known in Washington State as spousal maintenance—is one of the most debated aspects of any divorce. Whether you’re worried...

Voiding Prenuptial Agreement

Can a Prenuptial Agreement Be Voided? What You Need to Know

A prenuptial agreement is designed to offer peace of mind before marriage—an agreement that outlines how assets and responsibilities will...

Divorce Lawyer Bellevue WA

Hiring a Good Divorce Lawyer Matters – Protect Your Future

Divorce is one of the most emotionally challenging events a person can face. But beyond the emotional turmoil, divorce is...

Parenting Plan Violations

Parenting Plan: What To Do When A Parent Doesn’t Follow It

A parenting plan is more than just a schedule—it’s a court-ordered roadmap that outlines how separated or divorced parents will...

Adoption Mistakes

Common Adoption Mistakes That Lead to Legal Consequences

Adoption is one of the most meaningful and life-changing decisions a family can make. It brings hope, joy, and a...

Physically Abusive Relationships

Why Women Stay in Physically Abusive Relationships

Physically abusive relationships are heartbreaking and complex. For many outside observers, the immediate question is: “Why doesn’t she just leave?”...

Surrogacy Legal Challenges

Common Surrogacy Mistakes With Legal Consequences

Surrogacy is a life-changing journey for many intended parents, but without proper legal preparation, it can lead to unexpected complications....

Mediation Child Custody

Top 5 Reasons Mediation Helps in Child Custody Cases

When parents separate, one of the most challenging aspects of family law is determining child custody. Custody disputes can be...

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