Why should you consider joint custody?

If you and your spouse plan to divorce in Washington, both of you likely have concerns about the way your children will react to the news. You know they will worry about where they will live, with whom, and how much they will continue to see the other parent. They may...

People Love Us On Yelp

Lutz & Associates, P.S. awarded “People Love Us on Yelp” Award We are happy to announce Lutz Ramo & Teal is a winner of Yelp’s “People Love Us on Yelp” award. Our Yelp page has multiple 5 star reviews. Yelp awards business two times a year with the “People...

Third Party Custody – Including Grandparents

Non-Parental Custody Over the last year, Judges and commissioners have been taking a closer look at Non-Parental Custody cases and applying a strict standard when determining if they should separate a child from their biological parents.  The standards in these cases...

Child Custody Jurisdiction

One of the most common issues that come up regarding determining custody for a child deals with whether or not Washington has jurisdiction to hear your case.  If both parents are presently in Washington and the child resides in Washington (or was born in Washington),...

Spousal Maintenance for Immigrants

It is not uncommon for a person seeking immigration status in the United States (i.e. petitioner) to find him or herself in a position where the other spouse files for a divorce but the Unites States Citizen and Immigration Service (USCIS) has not finalized status....

De Facto Parentage

In our ever changing society where blended families are more and more common, I am often asked from someone in the middle of a divorce or separation:  “I was really close to my step kids.  Can I have visitation with them?”  Well, in the not too distant past, the...

Problems with a Guardian Ad Litem

How to stop a guardian ad litem (GAL) I have met for 80 minutes & her residual claims of “hearsay” as fact to the judge? I am sole custodial mom? I have been the sole, custodial parent of my sons (3 and 5) their entire lives, in July 2014 a GAL was appointed. She...

Child Support – Daycare Expenses Questions

Question – Do I have to pay day care cost if I am available to care for my child? My ex and I have a parenting plan and child support order that states I pay 50% of daycare costs. I am currently out of work due to L & I and unable to pay any cost above my child...

Recent Question about Parenting Plans

At what time can I pick up my child from the non-custodial parent on his holiday? I am the custodial parent. This Labor Day is my ex’s holiday according to the parenting plan. His recent email says he will not allow me to pick up our child on Labor Day (I suggested I...