Seattle Family Law Blog

Divorce marks a significant life event for everyone involved. Even in cases in which both parties agree that the union should come to an end, the transition from married to single can still bring on a negative emotional response. Researchers have identified some of these emotions brought on by divorce as anger, anxiety, frustration and despair. The degree to which a Washington spouse may experience these or other emotions is completely unique, and is in no way abnormal.

Individuals cannot control their emotional reaction to the end of their marriage. They can, however, determine the manner in which they will respond to those emotions, and strive to make the best possible choices in their actions. For many who experience a negative reaction to divorce, self-soothing behaviors are one way to cope. Financial self-soothing is the act of spending money in an attempt to relieve emotional distress. It is rarely a positive approach, however, and can lead to serious financial harm.

How do you know whether you're ready to get a divorce? Filing for a divorce, whether you reside in Washington or another state marks an emotionally traumatic transition. One psychotherapist writes that her ready-to-divorce clients usually realize a sense of doom, almost like death, overtaking them. However, no one can advise another-- it's a personal decision that may or may not register for any particular person under the circumstances. The therapist gives some suggested pointers below to help you decide.

Indeed, divorce will carry regrets. There are too many ties, memories and obligations to make it a smooth ride. And, in some cases it's painful to transition the children. One thing is for sure: many people contemplate and regurgitate their feelings for a while prior to coming to a decision.

Child support continues to be an ongoing battle and issue for parents across the nation. Washington parents have probably read about a recent story involving a U.S. Representative and his ex-wife. They were back in court to resolve issues over the last few child support payments for their youngest child.

In 2011, his ex-wife was asking for an alleged $100,000 in child support, but that was settled for an unreported amount. Even so, it became a target for his campaign opponent. He lost the November election. It is the Representative's position that his ex-wife still receives 20 percent of his paycheck for child support each month.

It's interesting that when a person appears in a reality show, his or her every personal action thereafter becomes fair fodder for publication, even after the so-called reality star ceases to perform. One of the latest to be microscopically examined despite having 'former' star status is Sheree Whitfield. It's reported that she successfully battled her ex-husband over child custody of their two children, and is now going for back child support payments. In Washington and elsewhere, the amount is based on several factors, including income, expenses and other facts impacting the needs for support or the ability to pay.

She recently made a child support demand in court for back payments due from her ex-husband, Bob Whitfield, which resulted in a court award of $75,000 in back payments. When payments get that far behind, enforcement proceedings usually occur but it may be that the arrears here were accrued during the parties' now-completed child custody battle. If the father gets behind again, the mother can file a request to have the father brought in for enforcement proceedings.