Kent Divorce Myths That Could Cost You Big – Floyd Law Personal Group

December 10, 2025

Kent Divorce Myths That Could Cost You Big – Floyd Law Personal Group

There’s a moment I see often in my work as a divorce attorney in Kent WA. Someone sits across from me carrying weeks of worry, half-truths from friends and a fear that their entire life is about to fall apart. Divorce is already emotional, but misinformation can make it feel impossible to navigate. I’ve learned that most of the panic people bring in has nothing to do with the law and everything to do with myths that simply aren’t true.

My goal here is simple. I want to give you the clarity I’ve seen transform clients from overwhelmed to confident. When you understand what actually happens in Washington divorces, you make better decisions, protect yourself and avoid costly mistakes.

Understanding the Most Harmful Divorce Myths in Kent WA

Over the years, I’ve seen certain misconceptions cause more stress and damage than the divorce itself. Here are the ones that come up most often.

The 50 - 50 myth
So many people think Washington automatically splits everything equally. In reality, the court looks at what is fair, not what is even. Fairness takes into account:

Each spouse’s income and earning potential
Length of the marriage
Contributions to the household
Financial needs moving forward
What counts as separate vs community property

I once had a client who nearly agreed to give up half her inheritance because she assumed she had no choice. Reviewing her documents changed everything.

The custody myth
People still believe mothers always get custody.

That is not how Washington courts operate. Parenting plans are based on the child’s best interests, not gender.

Judges look at:

Who handles day-to-day care
The stability of each home
Each parent’s involvement
Safety and emotional support

When parents understand this, their conversations shift from fear to planning.

The fault myth
Washington is a no-fault state. You don’t need to prove anything to file for divorce. This removes unnecessary conflict and lets both parties focus on practical solutions.

Pain points behind these myths

Fear of losing everything
Anxiety about being blamed
Worry about losing time with children
Pressure to settle quickly just to escape conflict

Solutions grounded in reality

Learning how Washington actually divides assets
Focusing on fair parenting plans
Understanding no-fault laws
Getting clarity early to avoid rushed choices

Where People Get Hurt in the Process and How to Avoid It

The biggest problems I see don’t come from the divorce itself. They come from assumptions made too early or decisions made too quickly.

Thinking you don’t need a lawyer because you agree on everything

Even the most cooperative couples overlook details that matter later. Divorce agreements must clearly address:

Debt responsibility
Tax considerations
Retirement account division
Future decision-making rights
Parenting schedules and holidays

I once helped a couple who drafted their own agreement, only to learn two years later that they were still jointly responsible for an old credit card. One line of unclear wording created years of financial strain.

Assuming separation automatically protects you

Living apart does not create legal boundaries. Without a formal separation agreement or divorce filing, you may still share:

Financial responsibility
Liability for new debts
Certain decision-making authority

Many people don’t realise this until something goes wrong, and by then, the damage is harder to undo.

Believing things will “work themselves out”
Divorce is emotional, and when emotions run high, people freeze. That leads to costly errors like:

Giving up assets prematurely
Letting fear dictate parenting decisions
Not documenting important agreements
Avoiding difficult conversations

Solutions I encourage every client to consider:

Ask for clarity before making commitments
Put all agreements in writing
Review financial documents early
Stay focused on long-term stability, not short-term relief

These small actions prevent headaches that often appear months or years later.

What You Can Do Right Now to Protect Yourself

If you’re somewhere in the middle of this process, here are the steps I recommend to anyone in Kent WA who wants to avoid common divorce mistakes.

1. Get accurate information early
Almost every person who walks into my office is carrying assumptions that make the situation feel scarier than it is. When you know the facts, your decisions become strategic instead of reactive.

2. Document everything with intention
Clear communication reduces conflict. Written agreements protect both parties and prevent misunderstandings. This includes:

Temporary financial responsibilities
Parenting schedules
Household decisions
Access to accounts and property

3. Protect your parenting rights from day one
Parenting plans work best when they reflect real involvement and stable routines. If you want fairness and clarity, start documenting:

Daily caregiving
Work schedules
Each parent’s availability
The child’s needs and school commitments

4. Avoid making emotional decisions about money
I’ve seen people give away assets just to “get it over with.” That temporary relief often leads to long-term regret. Your financial future deserves a calm, informed approach.

5. Talk to a professional before things escalate
A consultation does not commit you to anything. It simply gives you a roadmap.
Clients often tell me they wish they came in sooner because it would have saved them:

Money
Arguments
Emotional burnout
Months of uncertainty

These steps may look simple, but they create stability when your life feels the opposite.

Why Work With Floyd Law Group in Kent, WA

When people come to me during a divorce, they’re usually carrying more than legal questions. They’re carrying fear about the future, uncertainty about their rights and pressure to make big decisions quickly. At Floyd Law Group, we understand that divorce is both a legal process and a human one. That’s why our approach is built around clarity, support and strategic guidance tailored to the realities of Washington law.

Here’s what clients tell me they value most when working with our firm:

We simplify complex decisions. Instead of overwhelming you with legal jargon, we break down exactly what matters for your financial stability and parenting rights.
We protect you from avoidable mistakes. From asset division to separation agreements, we help you avoid the pitfalls that cost people time and money.
We focus on real-world outcomes. Our advice is grounded in experience, not theory. We guide you based on what actually works in Kent WA courts.
We prioritise your children’s wellbeing. When custody or parenting plans are involved, we support solutions that balance stability, involvement and long-term emotional health.
We respond before problems escalate. By identifying risks early, we help you stay in control instead of reacting to surprises.
We walk with you through every step. Divorce is stressful, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. We provide steady support from your first question to your final decree.

Working with Floyd Law Group means you have an advocate who understands both the law and the emotional weight behind every decision. If you’re navigating divorce in Kent WA, the right guidance can make the process far more manageable and significantly protect your future.

FAQs About Divorce in Kent WA

How long does a divorce take in Washington
The minimum is 90 days, but the timeline depends on how quickly both parties can resolve issues.

Is mediation required in Kent WA
Often yes. Mediation helps avoid trial and keeps costs manageable.

Can we write our own parenting plan
Yes, but it must be approved by the court. A detailed plan prevents conflict later.

Final Thoughts

Every divorce has its own complexities, emotions and turning points. What I’ve seen over and over is that people make better choices when they have accurate information, clear expectations and steady guidance. You don’t have to navigate this alone or rely on myths that create fear. When you understand the truth, the process becomes less overwhelming and far more manageable.

If you’re facing a divorce in Kent WA, clarity is the first step toward protecting your future, your finances and your peace of mind.

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Injured on Property: Kent’s Legal Guide by Floyd Personal Law Group

By jeff • December 24, 2025

What Really Happens After a Property Injury If there is one thing I have learned from years of working with injured clients in Kent, it is that the most painful part of a property injury is often what comes after the fall. The shock, the confusion, the embarrassment. People replay the moment over and over, wondering what they did wrong. Most of the time, the answer is nothing. The emotional impact tends to catch people off guard. I hear the same questions constantly. Why do I feel so overwhelmed? Why is the property owner acting like this was my fault? Should I have spoken up sooner? I once represented a woman who fell on a slick ramp behind a retail store. She blamed herself because she was “in a hurry.” But when we reviewed the surveillance footage, it showed employees walking past the spill for nearly an hour before she fell. That is how quickly self-blame can cloud reality. Clients also struggle with symptoms that evolve days later. Pain that spreads Difficulty walking Headaches Loss of sleep Anxiety about returning to the location These are real experiences, and ignoring them only makes things worse. The moment you start doubting your own instincts is the moment the insurance company gains leverage. That is why clarity matters so much in these cases. Understanding Liability and What You Should Do Next Premises liability protects you when unsafe conditions on someone else’s property cause harm. It covers everything from wet floors to broken steps to poor lighting. The standard is simple. Property owners must take reasonable steps to prevent hazards. When they do not, people get hurt. Here is what I look for when assessing a case: Was there a clear, preventable hazard? Did the owner or employees know or should they have known about it? Did their failure to act directly cause your injury? These answers often come from details that people overlook. Maintenance logs. Internal memos. Prior complaints. A witness who saw the hazard hours earlier. These pieces quietly connect the story. If you get injured, your actions in the first few hours matter more than most people realize. This is what I always recommend: Get medical care right away, even if pain feels manageable Report the incident and get a copy of the report Take photos of the hazard, your injuries, and surrounding conditions Ask for names and contact information of witnesses Avoid recorded statements with insurance adjusters Document symptoms as they develop Each of these steps protects your future self. I have seen strong cases collapse because the hazard was cleaned up before anyone captured evidence or because the injured person casually apologized at the scene. These moments may feel harmless, but insurance companies use them strategically. How Compensation Works and When to Call a Lawyer The cost of a property injury is rarely just the initial medical bill. I have seen slips and falls lead to months of physical therapy, lost wages, long term pain, and ongoing stress that clients were not prepared for. People often underestimate the long term financial impact until they are in the middle of it. Here is what compensation may include in Washington: Medical expenses Physical therapy and rehabilitation Lost wages Reduced earning capacity Pain and suffering Long term care costs Washington follows comparative negligence, meaning the insurance company will often try to assign part of the blame to you. You missed a warning sign You were distracted Your shoes were inappropriate These arguments come up constantly, even in cases where the property owner clearly failed to maintain a safe environment. It is why legal representation becomes important earlier than most people think. So when should you contact a lawyer? Your pain is worsening or persistent You are missing work The property owner denies responsibility The insurance company offers a low settlement You feel pressured to settle quickly You are unsure what your claim is worth Reaching out is not about being combative. It is about protecting your rights before the situation becomes more complicated. Why Work With Floyd Law Group in Kent, WA? Over the years, I have represented people who walked into my office feeling overwhelmed and unheard. Many assumed their injuries were not serious enough or believed the insurance company would treat them fairly. What they needed was guidance grounded in real experience, not vague reassurance. At Floyd Law Group, my approach is straightforward. I investigate the facts, not the assumptions I protect clients from insurance tactics I communicate clearly and honestly I focus on long term recovery, not quick settlements Because we work here in Kent, we understand the nuances of local properties, businesses, and community spaces. That local insight helps us see patterns others might miss and build cases with stronger context. Above all, my goal is simple. Make sure you are treated fairly and fully heard. FAQs How long do I have to file a claim in Washington? You generally have three years, but your case is stronger when evidence is collected early. What if no one witnessed my fall? Many strong cases have no witnesses. Evidence like photos, medical records, and past complaints can still support your claim. Can I file a claim if the injury happened at a friend’s house? Yes. Claims are handled through insurance, not your friend personally. Final Thoughts A property injury can shake your confidence as much as your body. Pain, uncertainty, and pressure from insurance companies create a perfect storm that leaves people second guessing everything. I have seen how overwhelming that feels, and I know how quickly circumstances can spiral if you do not protect yourself early. If something about your accident does not sit right with you, trust that feeling. Ask questions. Gather information. And remember, you do not have to navigate this alone. Your health, your future, and your peace of mind matter far more than rushing into a decision you cannot undo later. If you want a meta title, schema markup, or GBP optimized version, I can create that next.