When parents are not married, questions often come up about custody, child support, and legal rights. Our Bremerton, WA family law lawyer knows that many people assume that being unmarried puts one parent at a disadvantage, but that’s not always the case. Both parents have rights and responsibilities when it comes to raising their children, regardless of their relationship status. We work with unmarried parents who want to protect their role in their child’s life and understand how the law applies to their situation. We have more than 50 years of family law experience, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us today.

Establishing Legal Paternity Matters

For fathers, one of the most important steps is establishing legal paternity. If a child is born outside of marriage, the father does not automatically have legal rights or responsibilities. Signing a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity or seeking a court order is often necessary. Once legal paternity is established, the father gains the right to seek custody or visitation and may also be required to pay child support.

Custody Is Based On The Child’s Best Interests

Just like in divorce cases, custody decisions between unmarried parents are based on what’s best for the child. Courts consider factors like each parent’s relationship with the child, living conditions, work schedules, and the child’s needs. Neither parent has an automatic advantage simply because of gender or marital status.

We often help parents work out parenting plans that include physical custody (where the child lives) and legal custody (who makes decisions about education, health care, and more). If parents can agree on a plan, it usually leads to a better outcome. If not, the court will decide based on the facts presented.

Child Support Is A Legal Obligation

Both parents are financially responsible for their children. When parents don’t live together, the noncustodial parent usually pays child support to the custodial parent. This support is meant to help cover the child’s everyday needs—such as housing, food, clothing, and medical expenses.

Child support is typically based on income, the number of children, and how much time the child spends with each parent. If circumstances change—like job loss or a significant increase in income—support orders can be reviewed and adjusted through the court.

Communication And Written Agreements Help

Even when parents are on good terms, it’s important to put parenting and support agreements in writing. Informal arrangements can break down quickly if a dispute arises. Courts are more likely to enforce agreements that are clearly documented and approved through legal channels.

We always recommend keeping records of child-related expenses and any payments made or received. If disagreements come up in the future, clear documentation can make a big difference.

What To Do If Problems Arise

If one parent is not following a custody schedule or failing to pay support, legal remedies are available. The court can step in to enforce orders, and penalties may apply for noncompliance. On the other hand, if you’ve been wrongly denied time with your child, it’s important to speak up and pursue legal options to protect your rights.

Let’s Talk About What Comes Next

Whether you’re just starting the process of establishing custody or need help enforcing a child support order, we’re here to help. At Robinson & Hadeed, we work with unmarried parents who want clear, fair solutions that protect their role in their child’s life. We are serving Tacoma, Kitsap County, Port Orchard, and more, so don’t hesitate to speak with us. If you have questions or need legal guidance, contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Going through a divorce is rarely easy, even when both parties agree it’s the right decision. Our Tacoma, WA divorce lawyer knows that emotions run high, finances are involved, and the future can feel uncertain. That’s why it’s so important to approach the process with a clear plan and practical mindset. We’ve worked with many clients over the years and have seen firsthand what can help—and what can make things harder and every year our peers vote us Super Lawyer. Below are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind as you move through your divorce.

Do Prioritize Your Children’s Well-Being

If children are involved, they need to remain the top priority. That means keeping them out of conflict, avoiding blame in front of them, and working toward a parenting plan that supports their needs. Courts look favorably on parents who put their children first. We always encourage respectful communication and flexibility when it comes to schedules and co-parenting.

Don’t Use Your Children As Messengers

It can be tempting to pass messages through your children, especially when communication with your spouse is strained. But doing this puts kids in the middle and creates stress. Stick to direct communication with your spouse or let your attorney handle it if emotions are running high.

Do Keep Accurate Financial Records

Divorce often involves dividing property, assets, and debts. Keep records of all accounts, income, loans, and expenses. This will help us represent you effectively and prevent surprises later on. Organized paperwork can also speed up the process and make financial agreements more fair.

Don’t Hide Assets Or Withhold Information

Trying to hide income, assets, or property will almost always backfire. Courts expect transparency. If it’s discovered that either party is hiding information, it can hurt their credibility and lead to legal consequences. It’s far better to disclose everything upfront and work toward a fair resolution.

Do Communicate Through Your Attorney When Necessary

Some conversations are better handled with legal guidance. If speaking directly with your spouse leads to arguments or confusion, let your attorney step in. This can help reduce stress and keep the conversation focused on productive outcomes.

Don’t Make Emotional Decisions About Money Or Property

It’s understandable to feel attached to certain belongings or financial arrangements. But emotional decisions can lead to poor outcomes in the long run. Try to approach property division as a business matter. We help clients look at the big picture so they’re not making short-term decisions that could have long-term impacts.

Do Take Care Of Yourself

Divorce can take a toll on your physical and mental health. Eat well, get enough rest, and talk to someone you trust. Whether that’s a friend, counselor, or support group, staying grounded will help you make clearer decisions.

Don’t Post About Your Divorce On Social Media

Anything you post online can be used in court. That includes pictures, status updates, and even likes or comments. Even if your privacy settings are strong, it’s best to stay quiet online while the divorce is ongoing.

Do Plan For Life After Divorce

Think about where you want to live, how your budget will change, and what new routines you may need to set up. The more you prepare, the smoother the transition will be. We help our clients look ahead so they’re ready to move forward.

Let’s Talk About What Comes Next

Divorce can be challenging, but having the right support makes a difference. At Robinson & Hadeed, we’re here to help you make decisions that protect your future and your peace of mind. If you’re considering divorce or have questions about your current situation, reach out to us; we have 54 years of family law experience and can help. We’re ready to talk through your next steps and help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

When a marriage ends, one of the biggest points of conflict is often the family home. It’s not just a financial asset—it’s where you built your life, raised your kids, and created memories. So it’s no surprise that you and your spouse may both want to keep it. Our Tacoma, WA divorce lawyer knows that deciding who keeps the house during divorce is not just about emotion. It’s also about what makes sense legally and financially. Even if your divorce is ending amicably, this can throw a wrench in your plans.

If you’re in this situation, it helps to look at the full picture. The court will consider several factors when deciding who, if anyone, gets to keep the house. Knowing what to expect—and how to prepare—can help you make decisions that protect your future. Each year, our peers vote us Super Lawyer and we want to make sure you are getting the help you need. Give our office a call.

Start By Looking At Ownership And Equity

First, consider how the house is titled. If it’s in both of your names, it’s considered marital property in most cases, even if one of you paid more into it. If it’s in one person’s name, that doesn’t automatically mean the other has no claim. What matters most is whether the house was purchased during the marriage and how it was paid for.

The court will look at the home’s current value and subtract any remaining mortgage or debt. That gives you the equity—the portion of the home that has value after debts are paid. If one of you wants to keep the house, that person will likely need to buy out the other’s share of the equity.

Think About What You Can Afford

Wanting to stay in the home and being able to afford it are two different things. If you’re asking to keep the house, the court will want to see that you can manage the mortgage, taxes, insurance, and upkeep on your own. If you rely on your spouse’s income or if both incomes are needed to cover the mortgage, you may need to reconsider.

On the other hand, if your spouse wants to keep the home, they’ll need to show the court they can afford it. In some cases, the court may order the house to be sold if neither of you can keep it without financial strain.

Consider How It Affects The Rest Of The Settlement

Keeping the house may mean giving up something else. You may need to trade away your share of retirement accounts, vehicles, or other assets to make things even. The court’s goal is to divide property fairly, not necessarily equally. If one person takes on the house, the other may get a larger share of other marital property.

Before making a decision, think about how keeping the house fits into your long-term financial plan. Will you be able to refinance in your name alone? Will it limit your ability to move forward in other areas of your life?

Protect Your Rights And Make Informed Choices

Fighting over the house can turn emotional quickly. It’s important to stay focused on facts, not just feelings. A family lawyer can help you understand your legal rights, review your financial position, and find a strategy that makes sense for you.

Attorneys like those at Robinson & Hadeed have seen firsthand how stressful property disputes can become during divorce. But with the right guidance, you can weigh your options and work toward a solution that supports your goals. If you’re in the middle of a divorce and facing tough questions about who gets the house, don’t try to figure it out on your own. Many other attorneys send their cases to us, so trust us with something this important to you. Reach out today to schedule a consultation and talk through your options with a family law attorney who can help you make the right decision for your future.

Our Tacoma, WA family law lawyer knows that child support orders are designed to meet a child’s needs based on the circumstances at the time they’re created. But life changes—sometimes gradually, sometimes unexpectedly. When that happens, your current child support order might no longer make sense. If your income has dropped, your child’s needs have increased, or your custody schedule has changed, you may need to request a modification.

Courts do allow for child support to be adjusted, but there needs to be a valid reason backed by evidence. You can’t just ask for a change because the arrangement feels unfair—you need to show that something significant has shifted since the order was put in place. We have 54 years of family law experience and are ready to take your call.

Common Reasons To Modify Child Support

A change in income is one of the most common reasons for seeking a modification. If one of you has lost a job, taken a lower-paying position, or had a major reduction in hours, that can impact your ability to pay. On the other hand, if the parent receiving support starts earning significantly more or receives a financial windfall, the court might consider lowering the other parent’s payments.

Changes in custody arrangements can also lead to an adjustment. For example, if the child now spends more time with the paying parent than before, or if there’s a switch in primary custody, the child support order might need to be updated to reflect that.

Other valid reasons include a child developing new medical or educational needs, or a parent taking on additional responsibilities that weren’t present when the original order was issued. The court’s goal is to make sure the support amount still fits the situation today—not the one from years ago.

How To Start The Process

If you think a change is necessary, you’ll need to file a formal request with the court. This typically involves submitting a motion or petition for modification and including documentation that supports your request. That might include pay stubs, tax returns, medical bills, or a revised parenting schedule.

It’s important not to rely on informal agreements. Even if both parents agree to a temporary change, such as reducing the payment for a few months, it won’t be legally binding unless the court approves it. Without that approval, the original order stays in effect—and unpaid support can still be collected, along with interest.

Be Ready For A Court Review

After you file for a modification, the court will schedule a hearing or review, so it is crucial to have a family lawyer by your side. Both sides will have a chance to present their arguments and provide evidence. The judge will look at the current income of both parents, the needs of the child, and how much time each parent spends with the child. Based on that information, they’ll decide whether to grant the change and what the new amount should be.

At Robinson & Hadeed, we work with parents who need help modifying their child support arrangements. Whether you’re seeking a change or responding to one, it’s important to take the right steps and be prepared. If you believe your current order no longer reflects your situation, contact us today. We are highly rated by clients on Avvo and are prepared to review your case. We’ll help you take action with a plan that supports your family’s needs.

Our Tacoma, WA custody lawyer knows that courts generally try to keep siblings together after a divorce or separation. The assumption is that maintaining the sibling bond provides emotional stability during a time of change. But in some situations, a judge may decide that a split custody arrangement—where siblings live with different parents—is in their best interest. While this isn’t the norm, it does happen, and it’s helpful to understand when and why a court might make that decision. Our peers have voted us Super Lawyer every year, so see what we can offer you.

Situations Where Split Custody May Be Considered

Split custody is typically only considered when the court sees clear and compelling reasons to separate siblings. One common reason involves each child having a strong, individual bond with a different parent. For example, if one child is very close to the mother and the other has a stronger connection to the father, and both parents are equally fit, a court may feel it’s appropriate to place each child where they are most comfortable.

Another reason could involve the children’s own preferences, especially if they are older and mature enough to express their wishes. While a child’s preference doesn’t control the outcome, judges often consider it as part of a broader picture. If two siblings want different living arrangements and those choices seem reasonable and well thought out, the court may give those requests weight.

Courts may also consider split custody or modifications when the children have very different needs. For example, if one child has special educational or medical requirements that one parent is better equipped to handle, a judge may assign custody of that child to that parent. If the other child is thriving in a different school or environment that the other parent can provide, that too might support a split custody arrangement.

Conflict Between Siblings

In rare cases, a court may separate siblings due to ongoing conflict between them. If one sibling is abusive, aggressive, or severely disruptive toward the other, and efforts to resolve the situation haven’t worked, a judge may decide that living apart is necessary for their well-being. This is typically a last resort and usually requires documentation, such as evaluations from counselors or other professionals.

Practical Considerations

Split custody can create challenges, especially when it comes to scheduling and transportation. Judges look at the broader picture: how far apart the parents live, how cooperative they are with one another, and whether the arrangement will realistically serve the children’s day-to-day needs. The goal is to avoid disrupting school, social lives, or medical care. Courts don’t favor arrangements that are likely to create confusion or emotional strain.

Making Your Case In Court

If you’re involved in a custody dispute and believe that a split arrangement might work best—or if you’re opposing one—it’s important to be prepared. Judges rely on clear, well-supported information about the children’s needs, their preferences, the parents’ living situations, and any special circumstances. Family law cases are very fact-specific, and outcomes often depend on the details you’re able to present.

At Robinson & Hadeed, we help families sort through these issues with practical advice and strong representation. If you’re facing a custody case that involves more than one child and want to talk about the best approach for your situation, contact us today to schedule a consultation. We have 54 years of family law experience. We’re here to help you move forward with a plan that puts your children first.