May 2025

A trial court’s ruling in a family law case isn’t always the final word. If you believe the judge made a legal mistake, you may have the right to file an appeal. Although appeals are complex and not often successful, they can be a powerful tool for correcting judicial errors. At the Law Office of Amanda J. Cook, PLLC, we help clients evaluate whether to appeal and guide them through the process.

When Should You Consider an Appeal?

Dissatisfaction alone isn’t enough to justify an appeal. You must show that the judge made a legal or procedural error—for example, misapplying the law or wrongly excluding critical evidence. Common appeal situations include unfair child custody rulings or incorrect spousal support awards. Keep in mind that trial judges have broad discretion, especially in matters like custody, so the burden of proving an error is high.

Steps to File an Appeal in Washington

Time is critical when appealing a family court decision. Here’s a general outline of what’s required:

• File a Notice of Appeal with the Superior Court clerk and pay the filing fee 
• Serve the notice on the opposing party and complete a Certificate of Service 
• Submit required documents, like a Designation of Clerk’s Papers and a Statement of Arrangements, to ensure the appellate court receives the full trial record 
• Prepare and file your appellate brief, which argues the legal basis for reversing the decision 

Appeals are based solely on the existing trial record. No new evidence or testimony is allowed.

The Role of the Appellate Brief

Your written brief is the centerpiece of your appeal. It must clearly identify the trial court’s error and support your argument with legal authority—statutes, case law, or constitutional provisions. Skilled legal writing and thorough legal research are essential. This is where having an experienced appellate attorney becomes invaluable.

Get Legal Support for Your Appeal

If you’re considering an appeal in a family law case, don’t wait. The Law Office of Amanda J. Cook, PLLC, offers the insight and experience needed to assess your case and advocate effectively. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.

Changing your name after divorce can be an empowering step toward starting fresh. Many people return to a previous surname, while others use the opportunity to adopt a completely new name. Whether you want to make the change during your divorce or afterward, the Law Office of Amanda J. Cook, PLLC, can guide you through the process.

Changing Your Name During Divorce

The easiest time to request a name change is during your divorce. You can include the change in your Petition for Dissolution of Marriage—modifying your first, middle, last name, or all three. Once the divorce is finalized, the decree will authorize the change, which you can then use to update your name with government agencies and other institutions.

Changing Your Name After Divorce

If you didn’t request a name change during the divorce, you can still do so later, but the process involves additional steps:

• File a Petition for Name Change in your county 
• Pay a filing fee or apply for a waiver 
• Attend a court hearing and explain your request 
• Obtain a certified copy of the name change order 

If safety is a concern, such as in cases involving domestic violence, you may request the court to seal your name change for privacy. It can take up to two months to finalize, so keep your certified copy safe for updating your records.

Changing a Minor’s Name

Parents may request a name change for their child after divorce by filing a petition and providing proof of the child’s identity. Children aged 14 or older usually must attend the court hearing.

Where to Update Your Name

Once your name change is official, update it with:

• Social Security Administration 
• DMV and passport office 
• IRS and state taxing authorities 
• Banks and employers 
• Voter registration 
• Insurance providers, schools, and more 

Because it’s easy to forget where updates are needed, hold onto your divorce decree or court order—it may be useful for years to come.

We’re Here to Help

The Law Office of Amanda J. Cook, PLLC, has extensive experience assisting with name changes and divorce-related legal matters. Contact us for a private consultation to discuss your needs.