
Title 26 of the Revised Code of Washington governs domestic relations, covering key areas of family law such as divorce, child custody, child support, and spousal support. When someone files for any of these actions, they are seeking a domestic relations order—a legally binding directive issued by a judge. These court orders are enforceable, meaning if one party fails to comply, the other can take legal action to enforce the terms. At the Law Office of Amanda J. Cook, PLLC, we offer private consultations to help clients understand and obtain the appropriate court orders for their specific family law needs.
Examples of Domestic Relations Orders
Our firm has extensive experience securing a wide range of domestic relations orders, including:
- Divorce Decrees: Finalizing the legal dissolution of a marriage.
- Child Custody Orders: Establishing parenting plans and legal custody arrangements, which can be modified if circumstances change.
- Child Support Orders: Issued by the court or administratively through Washington’s Department of Child Support to ensure children receive financial support.
- Spousal Support (Alimony): Determining financial support for a spouse post-divorce.
- Adoption Decrees: Legally establishing parental rights for adoptive parents.
- Termination of Parental Rights: Often initiated by the state or in stepparent adoptions to remove legal rights from a biological parent.
- Paternity Orders: Legally confirming a child’s parentage, typically involving DNA testing.
Because these orders are court-issued, they carry legal weight. If one party does not follow the terms, the other may return to court for enforcement, which can include contempt proceedings.
What is a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO)?
A QDRO is a specialized type of domestic relations order used in divorce cases to divide retirement assets such as 401(k)s, pensions, or IRAs without triggering early withdrawal penalties or tax liabilities. These orders direct a retirement plan administrator to allocate a portion of the account to the other spouse—who would not normally be entitled to access it—ensuring a lawful and penalty-free division. Because QDROs are highly technical and must comply with federal and plan-specific rules, it is crucial to work with an experienced family law attorney to ensure the order is properly drafted and executed.
Consult an Experienced Family Law Attorney
Whether you’re pursuing a divorce, enforcing a parenting plan, or dividing retirement assets, securing the correct domestic relations order is essential to protecting your rights. With a valid court order in place, you have a clear legal path to enforcement if the other party fails to comply. The Law Office of Amanda J. Cook, PLLC is here to guide you through the legal process with compassion, precision, and experience. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation.