Puyallup Family Law Blog

When you were growing up in Washington or another state, your family might have taken Sunday drives. It was a common custom in the 1950s, 60s and 70s. In the decades that followed, traffic became more and more congested, speed limits increased, and other factors made leisure rides feel more like games of roulette, with travelers hoping they would safely reach their destinations. Perhaps, you're one of many throughout the state who navigate a daily commute to and from work.

Some days, you might sigh with relief when your trip into or home from the workplace unfolds in a rather uneventful manner. Other days, you might be glad you arrived unscathed, especially if a distracted driver or reckless person nearly caused a collision. Distracted driving collisions are responsible for many fatalities, which is why it's so important to know how to recognize potential danger on the road and have a plan in mind if a problem arises.

As Washington residents age, they will face many changes in life. For some, a major change could be ending a long-time marriage during their retirement years. Because divorce can have major impacts on a number of areas of a person's life, it is important to consider those possible impacts, especially when it comes to finances.

Finances during retirement differ greatly than when individuals are still working and generating a regular income. Because most retirees live on a fixed income, divorce could throw financial affairs off track for individuals who end their marriage during this time in their lives. If this event is taking place, individuals would be wise to look into their Social Security payments and other retirement benefits to determine how they may be affected.

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.