Domestic Partnership Dissolutions

Ending A Domestic Partnership

Washington law provides registered domestic partners with most of the same rights and responsibilities of married couples. If you are seeking to obtain a domestic partnership dissolution, it is important that you seek qualified legal counsel to ensure the protection of your rights. Key issues that must be adeptly managed in your domestic partnership dissolution may include:

• - Property division
• - Spousal support
• - Child support
• - Child custody or visitation

I am Mark D. Hodgson, a Spokane domestic partnership dissolution attorney committed to providing quality legal representation on behalf of clients in domestic partnership dissolution proceedings. As an attorney concentrating in family law, I am prepared to protect your rights.

Property Division

Property acquired by parties during a domestic partnership is generally classified as community property, with limited exceptions. Property acquired prior to a domestic partnership is typically treated as separate property. While courts will divide community property in a manner deemed equal, an equitable division does not necessarily require a 50-50 split of property. Visit my sections on property division and complex property division to learn more.

Spousal Support

Many registered domestic partners are surprised to discover that they could be required to pay spousal support, or may be eligible to receive spousal support. Washington courts are empowered to order either member of a registered domestic partnership to pay spousal support for the benefit of the other partner. If your domestic partner has a much higher or lower salary than you, spousal support could be a significant factor in the dissolution of your domestic partnership.

Child Support

If you and your partner share a child, you or your partner may be required to pay child support. Washington’s child support guidelines take into account the net income of both spouses. Washington courts may deviate from an award of guideline support in cases involving special circumstances, so it is important that you have an experienced lawyer working on your behalf who has a strong knowledge of Washington child support laws.

Custody And Visitation

I can help you craft a parenting plan that contains a carefully devised residential schedule. If you and your partner are unable to resolve a custody or visitation dispute amicably, I have the trial experience necessary to provide the strong advocacy you require.