WA Bar Washington Family Law 2

Question 1

Under Washington law, which of the following is NOT a factor courts consider when awarding spousal maintenance (alimony)?

Accepted Answer

The fault of either spouse in the breakdown of the marriage

Answer

The standard of living during the marriage

Answer

The financial resources of the spouse seeking maintenance

Answer

The duration of the marriage

Question 2

In Washington, a third party (grandparent) seeking visitation rights over a parent's objection must show:

Accepted Answer

That denial of visitation would harm the child, overcoming the presumption that fit parents act in their child's best interest

Answer

That visitation is in the child's best interest is presumed and the parent must rebut it

Answer

Clear and convincing evidence of parental unfitness

Answer

Only that a significant relationship exists between the grandparent and child

Question 3

Under Washington's Uniform Parentage Act, a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity signed by both parents has what legal effect?

Accepted Answer

Has the same force as a court judgment establishing parentage after 60 days

Answer

Creates a rebuttable presumption of paternity only

Answer

Requires subsequent court approval to be enforceable

Answer

Establishes paternity only for birth certificate purposes

Question 4

Washington's community property laws require what disposition of community property debts upon dissolution?

Accepted Answer

Community debts are divided equitably by the court, which may allocate responsibility to one spouse

Answer

All community debts are automatically discharged

Answer

Each spouse is always equally responsible for 50% of all community debts

Answer

Community debts follow the asset they were incurred to purchase

Question 5

In Washington, a court may modify a final parenting plan based on a showing of:

Accepted Answer

A substantial change in the circumstances of the child or either parent

Answer

Any change in circumstances since the original order

Answer

Either parent's desire for more parenting time

Answer

The child's stated preference regardless of other factors

Question 6

Under Washington law, at what age does a child's preference regarding custody become a significant factor courts consider?

Accepted Answer

Age 12

Answer

Any age if the child can articulate a preference

Answer

Age 14

Answer

Age 16