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Understanding Washington’s Child Visitation Laws

Navigating child visitation laws in Washington can feel overwhelming for parents, especially during or after a divorce. Ensuring that a child’s best interests are prioritized while maintaining meaningful relationships with both parents is at the heart of Washington’s visitation laws. In this article, we’ll break down the essentials of these laws, highlight key statutes, and … Continued

Bridging Justice: Colorado’s LLP Trailblazers

The fourth LinkedIn Live Virtual Panel hosted by Modern Family Law brought together trailblazing Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals (LLPs) in Colorado to discuss the groundbreaking LLP program. Hosted by Sarah Bella, the panel includes Janet Price of Modern Family Law, alongside Cindi Gregory (Robinson & Henry), Susan Harris (Law Office of Greg Quimby), and Meghan Flanagan … Continued

Understanding Washington’s Child Protection Laws

Regarding protecting children, Washington state has established robust laws to safeguard their safety and well-being. Understanding these laws, including child protection orders and the legal processes involved, is crucial for parents, guardians, or anyone concerned about a child’s welfare. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of child protection in Washington, focusing on key statutes, processes, … Continued

Empowering Clients: The Vital Role of Paralegals In Family Law

In the world of family law, paralegals play a vital role in guiding clients through challenging times. In this interview, Kati Read, Paralegal Operations Manager at Modern Family Law, shares insights with Caroline Germano, the firm’s Marketing & Communications Manager, on her role and the significant impact paralegals have on both clients and attorneys. Kati … Continued

Child Relocation in Washington: Key Facts, Statutes, and Guidance

Relocating with a child after divorce or separation can be complex, especially when it involves changing a child’s residence in a way that affects their relationship with both parents. In Washington, child relocation cases are governed by specific laws to ensure decisions prioritize the child's welfare and parental rights. Understanding Washington's Child Relocation Laws Washington … Continued

Can I Relocate With My Child After Divorce?

Divorce often brings significant life changes, and for many, relocating with a child is a consideration as they move forward. Whether it’s to be closer to family, pursue a new job opportunity, or provide a better environment for their child, relocation is a complex issue when children are involved. In the U.S., relocation laws vary … Continued

3 Tips For Winning Your Child Relocation Case

Relocating with a child after divorce can be challenging, especially when both parents share custody. Courts carefully consider child relocation requests, weighing the child’s best interests against the potential impact on the relationship with the non-relocating parent. Here are three key tips to help strengthen your relocation case and demonstrate that the move is beneficial … Continued

Paternity Testing Demystified: What You Need To Know

Establishing paternity is an important process for many families, carrying significant personal and legal implications. Whether it’s confirming biological ties for peace of mind, securing a legal basis for child custody, or fulfilling responsibilities like child support, understanding paternity can be vital for all parties involved. This article breaks down the essentials of paternity testing … Continued

Establishing Paternity in Washington: What You Need to Know

Establishing paternity is a crucial step for many families in Washington, especially for unmarried parents or those uncertain of their parental rights and responsibilities. Determining paternity not only defines the legal connection between a father and child but also brings significant benefits in terms of custody, support, and access to family medical history. Here’s what … Continued

Child Custody By The Numbers: Stats Every Parent Should Know

The end of a marriage or relationship is never easy, especially when children are involved. For parents facing a divorce or separation, the process of determining child custody can be one of the most emotionally challenging and legally complicated aspects of the split. Heated debates over living arrangements, parenting time, decision-making authority, and support payments … Continued

Paternity vs APR

When two people have a child together but later decide to separate, establishing parental responsibilities can become complex. In cases involving uncertainty about the father’s identity, issues around paternity and the allocation of parental responsibilities (APR) often arise. Here’s a guide to understanding how paternity actions and APR cases differ and why each is significant. … Continued

Parental Alienation Laws in Washington: Your Legal Options

Parental alienation, a term describing efforts by one parent to disrupt a child’s relationship with the other parent, is a complex and emotionally charged issue. In Washington State, where family law prioritizes the best interests of the child, understanding the legal context and consequences of parental alienation can be vital for parents seeking custody or … Continued

Key Considerations in Step-Parent Adoption

Step-parent adoption is the most common form of adoption in the United States, accounting for approximately 50% of all private adoptions. This process allows a step-parent to assume full legal rights and responsibilities for their spouse's child, often cementing a bond already formed within the blended family. While the process can be rewarding to bring … Continued

Healing In The Workplace: Insights From Haeli Harris, LMFT

Join us as Caroline Germano, Marketing & Communications Manager at Modern Family Law, sits down with Haeli Harris, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Director of Clinical Operations at Nivati, and a skilled yoga instructor, to discuss the intricate relationship between divorce, mental health, and the workplace. This interview explores the common challenges and effective … Continued

Blended Families: Strategies for a Happy, Harmonious Household

Blended families are becoming increasingly common in the U.S., with approximately 16% of children living in stepfamilies, according to the Pew Research Center. While blending families can provide new opportunities for connection and growth, it also comes with its challenges as members adjust to new roles, relationships, and dynamics. Incorporating expert advice from certified parent … Continued

Expanding Legal Access: Insights On Colorado’s LLP Journey

The third LinkedIn Live Virtual Panel event hosted by Modern Family Law highlighted the experiences of Colorado’s pioneering Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals (LLPs). Led by Sarah Bella, the panel featured insights from Melissa Simonton, Janet Price, and Kris Freeman—three of the first LLPs practicing under Colorado’s innovative program. This discussion offered a glimpse into the early … Continued

Empathy In Action: Diana McCormick’s Sales Strategy At MFL

In this interview, Diana McCormick, Sales Manager at Modern Family Law, sits down with Marketing & Communications Manager Caroline Germano to discuss her role, approach, and vision for supporting both clients and attorneys. With over two decades of experience, Diana brings a compassionate and client-focused approach to sales, breaking down stigmas and fostering meaningful connections. … Continued

Declarations of Invalidity (Annulments) In Washington

While divorce is the most common means of ending a marriage, certain situations call for a different approach: a declaration of invalidity, often referred to as an annulment. Unlike a divorce, which dissolves a legally valid marriage, a declaration of invalidity declares that the marriage was never legally binding. This article outlines the process, requirements, … Continued