Puyallup Family Law Blog

Whether a Washington resident stopped to have a drink with friends, co-workers or family, or had a drink with dinner, as he or she drove home the lights of a police car appeared in the rear view mirror. Once pulled over, the officer suspected impairment and asked the driver to step out of the vehicle. What the driver does next could help steer the course of any potential DUI charge he or she may face. Should the driver participate in field sobriety tests if the officer asks?

Many Washington residents believe they must participate in these tests due to implied consent laws. When drivers get their licenses, they agree to submit to a blood or breath test if arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. However, drivers are not obligated to participate in field sobriety tests, such as the one-leg stand test, the walk-and-turn test or the horizontal gaze nystagmus test. Police administer these tests in order to build probable cause for an arrest. Submitting to them only helps the officers -- not the drivers.

A lot of work goes into building a marriage. Just as much work, if not more, can also go into ending one. Though many Washington residents would likely rather avoid having to go through divorce, it is a common occurrence. If individuals want to have a relatively smooth process, they may want to work on their civility.

It can certainly be trying to remain civil with someone who a person may have had numerous arguments with, especially if the arguments contributed to the divorce. Still, it is often worth the effort to remain as civil as possible throughout the case. If individuals decide to create conflict at every turn, the case can become more stressful, take more time to complete and cost more money.

Financial issues are one of the most common reasons that couples pursue a divorce nowadays. Whether they face significant financial struggles during marriage or frequently argue about spending money, there is no doubt that finances can be the root of a lot of stress for individuals.

And it is likely that stress will not end during divorce. The process of divorce can be costly, especially when spouses have to divide their financial assets. However, there are ways that divorcing spouses can prepare and protect their finances:

When Washington parents divorce, children face the possibility of suffering emotional stress and experiencing difficulties as they try to navigate this time of transition. As a parent, you understand the importance of helping your kids during this time and making decisions that will spare them as much trauma and difficulty as possible. One way you can do this is with a strong and thoughtful parenting plan.

A parenting plan is something that two parents will work on together. If you opt to craft a parenting plan out of court, you will be able to make plans that suit the unique needs of your children. If you think it may be possible to work with your spouse to reach an out-of-court solution regarding parenting time schedules and other custody-related issues, you may want to learn more about what makes a strong parenting plan.