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News and Insights
ESTATE & FAMILY LAW IN THE WORLD


Estate Planning for Cohabitating Individuals
Cohabitating couples may face unique challenges, especially if they are not legally married. Estate planning for cohabitating individuals...
Cindy Wysocki
Oct 27, 20232 min read


When a Cohabitation Agreement may be Necessary
If you are living with your partner but are not legally married, you may be interested to know that upon a change in that relationship status, such as a breakup, your partner may have certain rights to your property, and vice versa. It may be time to consider outlining the terms of your relationship with a cohabitation agreement, just so that you’re both on the same page. A cohabitation agreement is a legally binding contract that outlines the rights and responsibilities of i
Cindy Wysocki
Oct 20, 20232 min read


When is it a good time to get an estate plan in place?
A good time to get an estate plan is… right now! If you have assets, property, loved ones or pets that you want to protect and provide...
Cindy Wysocki
Oct 13, 20232 min read


Selecting the right Family Law Attorney
Selecting the right attorney for your family law matter is crucial to ensure that your rights and interests are protected. You also want...
Cindy Wysocki
Aug 25, 20233 min read


Estate Planning after Divorce
Whether you have just finalized your divorce, or you’ve been divorced for some time, it's important to review and update your estate...
Cindy Wysocki
Aug 18, 20232 min read


Options for Keeping Divorce out of Court
Court involvement removes decision-making power from your hands and often escalates emotions fast. Mediation, collaborative divorce, arbitration, and negotiation offer Washington families a way to resolve divorce on their own terms. Here's how each option works and which one might fit your situation.
Cindy Wysocki
Aug 11, 20232 min read


Time to Update your Estate Plan
How do you know when it's time to update your estate plan? From marriage and divorce to relocation and changing tax laws, several life events signal that your existing plan may no longer reflect your wishes. Here are the key circumstances that mean it's time to review your documents with an attorney.
Cindy Wysocki
Jul 28, 20232 min read


Effective Co-Parenting After Divorce
Co-parenting after divorce tests even the most patient person, but it doesn't have to be a constant struggle. With clear communication, mutual respect, and a child-centered approach, co-parents can build a working relationship that actually holds up. Here are the strategies that make the biggest difference.
Cindy Wysocki
Jul 24, 20233 min read


Navigating the Emotional Waters of Custody Schedules
Sharing custody of your child is one of the hardest emotional adjustments a parent can face. From grief to communication with your co-parent, here are eight ways to navigate the emotional side of custody schedules while staying focused on what matters most: your child's wellbeing.
Cindy Wysocki
Jun 20, 20233 min read


Estate Planning: A Plan for your Legacy
Estate planning is the ultimate expression of love for your family, and getting started is easier than most people think. From defining your goals to planning for incapacity, here are the key steps to building an estate plan that protects your legacy and the people you love most.
Cindy Wysocki
Jun 10, 20233 min read


8 Tips to Help Your Family Law Attorney Help You in Your Divorce Case
A good outcome in your divorce depends on more than just a skilled attorney. It depends on how well you work together. From staying organized to managing expectations, here are eight practical ways to help your family law attorney help you reach the best possible resolution.
Cindy Wysocki
May 6, 20233 min read


Hidden Hazards: Stay-at-Home Parenting in a Committed Intimate Relationship
Stay-at-home parents in a committed intimate relationship face real legal gaps in Washington State. Without marriage, there's no automatic right to inherit, no spousal maintenance, and no guaranteed legal authority if your partner is incapacitated. Here's what unmarried parents need to know before it becomes a crisis.
Cindy Wysocki
Apr 17, 20232 min read


The Risks of Inadvertently Tying the Knot in Washington
Living together without marriage can still come with marriage-like legal consequences in Washington State. A committed intimate relationship can entitle your partner to a share of assets and debts if you separate, even without a wedding ring involved. Here's how to understand the risk and protect yourself with a cohabitation agreement.
Cindy Wysocki
Apr 4, 20233 min read


Parental conflict may harm a child's long-term physical health
Staying together for the kids can do more harm than the divorce itself. Research shows that ongoing parental conflict raises stress hormones, disrupts attachment, and increases a child's risk of physical health problems well into adulthood. Here's what the science says about conflict, separation, and what actually protects children long-term.
Cindy Wysocki
Mar 14, 20233 min read


What's the Difference Between Legal Separation and Divorce?
Legal separation and divorce in Washington State follow nearly identical processes, but the outcomes are not the same. One lets you stay married. The other ends the marriage completely. Here's what actually separates the two and how to decide which path fits your situation.
Cindy Wysocki
Feb 25, 20232 min read


10 Book Recommendations to Support you through a Divorce
Divorce is a process of healing, not just a legal transition. The right book can offer comfort, perspective, and a path forward when everything feels uncertain. Here are ten thoughtful recommendations covering grief, self-discovery, codependency, and co-parenting to support you through every stage of divorce.
Cindy Wysocki
Feb 12, 20232 min read


What happens to the house in a divorce?
The marital residence is often the biggest asset in a divorce and one of the most contentious. Buyout, sale, joint ownership, or one spouse keeping the home: each option carries different financial and emotional tradeoffs. Here's what Washington State couples need to consider before deciding what happens to the house.
Cindy Wysocki
Feb 1, 20234 min read


Estate Planning is the Gift of Love
We often think of love as grand gestures, but one of the most loving things you can do for your family is make sure your affairs are in order. Estate planning protects your loved ones from confusion, conflict, and generic legal defaults when it matters most. Here's why working with an attorney makes that gift even stronger.
Cindy Wysocki
Jan 16, 20232 min read


Why Divorce Isn't about Winning
No one truly wins a divorce, even with a favorable settlement. Collaborative law offers a better path: both spouses work with attorneys and professionals to reach a resolution outside of court, one built on cooperation instead of conflict. Here's how collaborative divorce protects your family and your future in Washington State.
Cindy Wysocki
Jan 4, 20232 min read


Later in Life Divorce
Divorcing later in life comes with a different set of financial, legal, and family considerations than divorce at a younger age. Retirement assets, spousal maintenance, estate plans, and adult children all require careful attention. Here is what Washington State residents over 50 need to know before moving forward.
Cindy Wysocki
Sep 29, 20222 min read
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