I'd like to compliment you first on establishing this discussion forum. Many, many compliments. Okay (sigh) here are my questions:
1. I live in Thurston County; can you do my divorce? Is there a court appearance required? How to be a parent classes required?
2. We have one child who is four, and I have concerns about how long my spouse will take him. I have put off divorce for so long because I worry about my son being ignored by his father and not given adequate supervision in public. I don't want to get between my son and his Daddy, but out of concern for his welfare while he's with his father, I'd like to limit the visitation periods so that they are not overnight visits. How does the court address this? I don't think my spouse will like this at all.
3. We own a home that I cannot afford alone, which we jointly financed. I want to keep the house for me and my son. The market is crap right now, so I'm leery of even attempting to sell; I've looked into refinancing but due to home value issues that is not an option at this point. Do I have to buy my spouse out immediately or can I work out a deal, say oh, in a year I refinance, for example? My spouse refuses to pay for the home post-divorce-- he wants to sell, even though we'll undoubtedly take a loss.
4. I've set-up a CYA post-divorce savings account that my spouse does not know of. Id' like to keep all of that money (given that my spouse has a terrible spending problem), especially since I plan to keep the house... I understand community property, but will the court give me some credit since I'm assuming a massive debt (the house), and allow me to keep the money I saved?
Thank you for your help.
thanks i'm glad you like this board. I also encourage users to get together to change the system for the better.
As to limiting time w/ dad, the first step is admitting that your own judgment is flawed and if you are having qualms you should make a list of 3-4 very good psychologists you do not know roll the dice or coin flip and let that person decide for you (which hopefully will be in your childs favor!!!!) if you do that you will be free and walk with the Lord, or whoever such subtle matters involve....
the court will likewise go against your selfish decisions as to the child....so you are doing the right thing by considering this carefully and asking these questions: the court can each choose the psychologist/GAL who will make the close observations of parent and child in person. if limiting is proper then it will be done following procedures like that.
You can file some of this stuff yourself. Motion for Appointment of a Guardian ad Litem (and this includes PhD child psychologists as the main bunch in the list!!!!), after the report comes back and the evaluator believes your notions about restricting time are wellfounding make a copy of this and clip it to the back of a Motion to Modify Temporary Parenting plan....or what ever the previous court has named the custody document at issue. you may need to pay sb. hourly to get the forms and motions correct...it is certainly the better way. but if you do not have the money go directly to the courthouse and try to locate a "facilitator" who will at least guide you to the forms and try and try again so the Court can do what it is dying to: help the kids.
I can't do a thurston divorce but try my listing of attorneys who work hard for clients and can do divorce work: Washington Divorce Attorneys by County
Seattle Divorce Lawyer - Site Owner, Washington Divorce Laws, Procedure, Forms, Court Papers & More)