Discovery Interrogatories and Requests for Production in Your Divorce

In a contested Washington divorce, each party needs information to build a clear and fair picture of the marital estate, parenting capabilities, and income. When informal disclosure isn't enough, the court process offers formal discovery tools, including interrogatories and requests for production, to help you gather the evidence necessary for negotiation or trial.

At Magnuson Lowell, P.S., we guide clients through these discovery methods to ensure their rights are protected and the court has the full story.

What Are Interrogatories?

Interrogatories are written questions one party sends to the other. The receiving party is required to answer them, in writing and under oath, within a certain time frame - usually 30 days.

Typical interrogatories in a divorce might include:

• “Describe your current employment, including salary and benefits.”
  
  
• “List all bank accounts you’ve held in the last two years.”
  
  
• “Identify all property (real and personal) you claim is separate.”

These questions help uncover inconsistencies or missing details in the other party’s claims, particularly in high-conflict or high-asset cases.

What Are Requests for Production?

Requests for production are written demands for specific documents. Like interrogatories, they must be answered within a set timeframe.

Examples include:

• Tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements
  
  
• Real estate deeds and mortgage documents
  
  
• Retirement account balances
  
  
• Emails or texts related to custody or finances

This is where you gain access to hard evidence that may support or contradict the other party’s position. In many divorces, this step is critical to determining fair spousal support, dividing property, or preparing for trial.

Why Discovery Matters

Even in amicable cases, emotions can cloud judgment. One party may unintentionally omit assets, or there may be suspicion of hidden income. Discovery helps ensure transparency and gives your attorney the tools to advocate for a fair resolution.

In some cases, if the other party refuses to respond or fails to disclose information, the court may impose sanctions or allow certain facts to be presumed true.

Your Role in the Process

When you receive discovery requests, you’re legally required to respond. It’s important to work closely with your attorney to ensure accuracy and avoid legal complications. Your attorney may also object to any questions or requests that are overly burdensome or irrelevant.

When Is Discovery Most Useful?

Discovery is especially valuable in:

• High-asset divorces
  
  
• Custody disputes with conflicting parenting narratives
  
  
• Situations where financial misconduct is suspected
  
  
• Cases approaching trial without full agreement

Let Us Help You Navigate Discovery

Discovery can feel intimidating, but it’s one of the most effective tools for leveling the playing field in a divorce. At Magnuson Lowell, P.S., we know how to use interrogatories and requests for production strategically to protect your interests and move your case forward.

Contact us today for a free telephone case evaluation and learn how we can support you through your Washington divorce 425-800-0573.

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In certain Washington family law cases, a court may order supervised visitation to ensure a child’s safety and well-being. This type of visitation can be emotionally challenging for both parents, but it’s designed to provide structure and protection in high-conflict or potentially unsafe circumstances.

At Magnuson Lowell, P.S., we help clients navigate parenting plans that include supervised visitation - whether you are the parent requesting supervision or the one subject to it.

What Is Supervised Visitation?

Supervised visitation means that one parent can only spend time with their child in the presence of an approved third party. This person may be:

• A professional visitation supervisor
  
  
• A trusted friend or family member agreed upon by both parents
  
  
• A social worker or court-appointed observer

These visits typically occur at designated times and locations, and the supervisor monitors interactions to ensure the child’s safety and emotional comfort.

When Is Supervised Visitation Ordered?

Courts don’t order supervised visitation lightly. It’s usually reserved for situations involving:

• Allegations of physical or emotional abuse
  
  
• Substance abuse or addiction issues
  
  
• Mental health concerns that affect parenting ability
  
  
• A history of domestic violence
  
  
• Recent reentry into a child’s life after a long absence

In Washington, RCW 26.09.191 outlines parenting limitations that may include supervised contact when there’s a concern for the child’s welfare.

How Long Does Supervised Visitation Last?

Supervised visitation may be temporary or long-term, depending on the facts of the case. Courts often encourage progress and may allow for gradual changes, such as moving from supervised visits to unsupervised visits once certain conditions are met. These conditions could include completing parenting classes, undergoing substance abuse treatment, or demonstrating consistent positive behavior over time.

How Are Supervised Visits Arranged?

Your parenting plan should include details about:

• Frequency and duration of visits
  
  
• Who the approved supervisor will be
  
  
• Where the visits will take place
  
  
• How transportation and hand-offs will work

Some counties and private companies offer supervised visitation programs or centers, which can provide neutral locations and professional staff.

The Goal Is Reunification and Safety

Courts generally want children to have a relationship with both parents, provided it’s safe. Supervised visitation allows that relationship to grow while maintaining appropriate safeguards. The goal is not to punish a parent but to protect the child and work toward a healthier dynamic.

Legal Support for Parenting Plan Modifications

Whether you're seeking supervised visitation or want to request a change to existing terms, it's crucial to have experienced legal guidance. At Magnuson Lowell, P.S., we represent parents throughout Washington State in crafting and modifying parenting plans to fit their family’s needs.

We offer free telephone case evaluations - 425-800-0582. Contact us to discuss your parenting plan concerns and take the next step toward a secure and balanced future for your child.

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One of the most sensitive aspects of any parenting plan is how to divide holidays. These special times of the year often carry deep emotional meaning for families, especially for children. When parents divorce, establishing a fair and workable holiday schedule becomes essential, not only for parental consistency, but also for maintaining your child’s sense of tradition and stability.

At Magnuson Lowell, P.S., we help clients create parenting plans that account for all major holidays and school breaks in a way that respects both parents’ time and promotes the child’s best interests.

Common Approaches to Holiday Schedules

There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to holidays, but several common options exist:

• Alternating years: One parent gets the child on a holiday in even-numbered years, while the other gets the child in odd-numbered years.
  
  
• Splitting the day: Parents may divide a holiday into two parts - morning with one parent, evening with the other.
  
  
• Fixed holidays: Certain holidays may always be spent with one parent, such as a birthday or a holiday tied to a cultural or religious tradition.
  
  
• Custom arrangements: Some parents alternate Thanksgiving but always share Christmas morning, or they trade based on who is traveling that year.

The key is to create a plan that both parents can follow without conflict and that prioritizes the child’s enjoyment and stability.

Major Holidays to Consider

When drafting or modifying a parenting plan, consider how you’ll address the following:

• Thanksgiving
• Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
• New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
• Summer vacation (including Fourth of July)
• Mother’s Day and Father’s Day
• Halloween
• Religious holidays specific to your family
• The child's birthday
• Each parent’s birthday

Addressing School Breaks

Holidays aren’t the only concern. Many families also create schedules around spring break, midwinter breaks, long weekends, and summer vacation. These periods should be included in the parenting plan to reduce last-minute disputes. These are also often split in odd years and even years. For summers, the plan is often kept the same except that each party might receive a couple weeks of uninterrupted time for summer vacation.

Get Legal Help with Your Parenting Plan

At Magnuson Lowell, P.S., we understand the emotional and logistical challenges of splitting holidays after divorce. We work with clients throughout Washington to create and modify parenting plans that reduce stress and support long-term co-parenting success. Contact our office for a free telephone case evaluation 425-800-0572!

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