Christopher S. Mulvaney,

Attorney and Counselor-at-Law

---

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.

CONTACT CHRISTOPHER S. MULVANEY FORM

DISCLAIMER:

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

---

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.

_________________________

Bankruptcy and divorce are frequently interconnected in Washington State, as financial struggles can both lead to and be exacerbated by marital dissolution. 

Here’s why:

• Financial stress and marital conflict: Money problems are a major source of stress in many marriages and can ultimately lead to divorce.
• Increased expenses and decreased income:  Divorce often means creating two separate households, doubling expenses like rent or mortgage payments and potentially reducing the overall household income.
• Debt division complexities: Washington is a community property state, meaning debts incurred during the marriage (to support the marital community) belong to both spouses. Dividing these debts can be a complex and contentious process, potentially leading to one or both parties facing significant financial burdens, especially if refinancing is not an option or is unsuccessful.
• Impact on credit scores: Joint accounts and co-signed loans can significantly impact credit scores during and after divorce, particularly if one spouse fails to make payments. A lower credit score can make it harder to qualify for new loans, further impacting financial stability.
• Legal and court fees: The divorce process itself can be costly, with attorney fees and court expenses adding to the financial strain.
• Child support and alimony obligations: For the spouse paying child support or alimony, these payments can significantly reduce their disposable income, potentially making it difficult to cover other bills and expenses.
• Timing of bankruptcy filing: Filing for bankruptcy before a divorce can simplify debt division and potentially make the divorce process smoother. However, the timing depends on individual circumstances and navigating these issues requires careful consideration with legal guidance. 

Important considerations:

Professional guidance: Seeking advice from both a bankruptcy attorney and a divorce attorney is crucial to navigate the complex interplay of these legal processes and make informed decisions that protect your financial interests.  For example, it is possible that the result in bankruptcy may be different if bankruptcy is filed before or after marriage. A Family size of 4 has a different means test relative to median income by family size than does two families of two or a single person and a family of 3.

Community property state laws: In Washington, the community property laws mean one spouse can still be responsible for the other’s debts incurred during the marriage, even after divorce, in the eyes of the creditor.

Refinancing and indemnification clauses: To mitigate risks, spouses can consider refinancing joint loans and include indemnification clauses in their divorce decrees, specifying that if one party defaults on a debt, they must compensate the other for any financial harm. Keep in mind that the Party probably doesn’t have the money to pay, so any Court Judgment is likely to be uncollectible. Also, parents going to Court to get money from each other after a divorce can be damaging to minor children.

____________________________________________________________________________________

---

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.