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Christopher S. Mulvaney,

Attorney and Counselor-at-Law

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THIS WEBSITE INCLUDES GENERAL INFORMATION & THE OPINIONS OF CHRISTOPHER S. MULVANEY. IT IS INTENDED TO STIMULATE A BASIS FOR QUESTIONS RELATED TO YOUR PARTICULAR FACTUAL CIRCUMSTANCES — BEFORE YOU ACT.  THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE. IF YOU WANT LEGAL ADVICE, PLEASE MAKE A ZOOM APPOINTMENT TO SPEAK WITH ME.

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The use of email or this form for communication with MULVANEY LAW OFFICE, PLLC does not establish an Attorney-Client Relationship. If you don’t think I have responded, please check your spam folder. Time-sensitive information should not be sent through this Form or through email. Sensitive information can be uploaded to an encrypted Dropbox folder in your client file. Google Review Link Yelp Review Link

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Gonzaga University School of Law – Spokane, Washington – Class of 2002 – Cum Laude The Latin phrase “Deo patriae, scientiis, artibus” translates to “For God and country through sciences and arts”.  The initials A.M.D.G. on the seal of Gonzaga Law School stand for Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, which is Latin for “For the Greater Glory of God” the Motto of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits): a Catholic religious order founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola.

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In Washington state, property division in a divorce aims for an “equitable” (fair) distribution, not necessarily a strict 50/50 split. Courts consider various factors when dividing assets, including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s financial situation, and the nature of the property. 

While separate property (acquired before the marriage or through inheritance) is generally awarded to the owning spouse, it can be divided if necessary for fairness. 

Key aspects of property division in Washington:

Seeking Legal Advice: Due to the complexities of property division, it’s crucial to seek legal advice from a qualified attorney to understand your rights and options, especially in cases with significant assets or complex financial situations

Community Property: Washington is a community property state, meaning assets and debts acquired during the marriage are presumed to be owned equally by both spouses. 

Equitable Distribution: While community property is divided equitably, this doesn’t always mean a 50/50 split. The court can consider factors like the length of the marriage, the financial circumstances of each spouse, and the contributions each spouse made to the marriage. 

Separate Property: Assets owned before the marriage or received as a gift or inheritance during the marriage are generally considered separate property and awarded to the spouse who owns it. 

Factors Considered: Courts consider various factors when determining what’s equitable, including:

The length of the marriage. 

The financial situation of each spouse, including income, earning potential, and separate property. 

Contributions of one spouse to the other’s education or career. 

The needs of any children involved, such as awarding the family home to the primary caregiver. 

Negotiation and Agreements: Divorcing couples can negotiate and reach their own agreements on how to divide property, which can avoid Court intervention. 

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Washington State residents can meet with me in Zoom/DocuSign from anywhere in the world, and I can notarize their electronic signatures because I am a remote online notary.  Just email me an image of your photo ID.