A. Under the statute, child support can be adjusted every two years. Child support can also be modified one year after the current order if there is a substantial change of circumstances since the current order was entered. Child support can also be modified under one year without showing a substantial change of circumstances if certain conditions are met.

A. The amount of spousal maintenance is based on several factors including (but not limited to) the financial resources of the party seeking maintenance, including the property to be awarded; the ability of the party seeking maintenance to be self-sufficient without assistance, including the receipt of child support; the time and education needed by the party seeking maintenance to become self-sufficient; the standard of living established during the marriage; the duration of the marriage; the age, physical and emotional condition and financial obligations of the spouse seeking maintenance; and the ability of the spouse from whom maintenance is sought to meet his own needs and obligations while paying maintenance.

A. You are entitled to compensation for any medical expenses related to your automobile accident. If you lose wages, you can seek compensation even if you are covered by sick leave or use vacation pay. If the automobile accident leaves permanent impairment, you can seek compensation on several levels, such as loss of earning power or to cover permanent healthcare assistance.

A. When an attorney takes your auto-related personal injury case, you are relieved of dealing with all the headaches connected to dealing with the insurance companies that may be involved.

You have an advocate that is on your side. The insurance company, even your own, is never your advocate.

A. No, you should not. Believe it or not, many insurance companies actually offer unfair settlements hoping that you will accept the offer. Even knowing you might seek an attorney because their offer is so ridiculous does not deter this practice. Many insurance companies are willing to risk you hiring an attorney because in the end, if you hire one that is incompetent, they save money.

A. If you do, you may find yourself stuck permanently with a lower offer. Why? Because you are far more likely to speak with an insurance adjuster without counsel and say something that will be interpreted in the insurance company’s favor. You will also be at greater risk for being pressured into a quick settlement.

A. No. Your spouse can refuse to settle and hold out until a trial, but the trial judge will terminate the marriage regardless of your spouse’s objection.

A. The party receiving child support may opt to let his/her spouse pay directly to them or have the Department of Child Support collect it through a wage assignment.

A. No. Over and above basic child support, the law requires each party to pay his/her proportionate share of day care and uninsured health care expenses. Sometimes judges will require the parties to pay proportionate shares of extracurricular activities like select soccer and other youth sports with substantial fees and costs.

A. Washington law allows courts to require contribution by the parties and child toward college expenses. Courts will require parents to pay a portion of the child’s tuition, room, board and books based on the relative earnings of each party. The maximum amount is the usually the cost for a Washington resident at a public institution such as the UW, WSU, CWU etc.