Marc Andrew Moses

Attorney Moses has been defending juvenile and Family Law Clients in the courtroom since 1999. Whether your case is a divorce, legal separation, child custody and support, spousal support, domestic violence, or guardianship, he has the experience and resources necessary to achieve a successful outcome of your case. He has a strong background in defending the rights of individuals, and is competent to handle your case from beginning to end, with thoughtful attention to detail, whether it be at the negotiating table or in the courtroom.

University of Colorado - Boulder

Undergraduate Degree

University of New Hampshire School of Law

J.D. (2000) | Family Law; Criminal Law; Estate Planning

1997 - 2000

Law Office of Marc Andrew Moses

2001 - Current

Kitsap County Bar Association

Member

Current

Pierce County Bar Association

Member

Current

Washington State Bar  # 49554

Member

2015 - Current

California State Bar  # 217009

Member

2001 - Current

California

Washington

9th Circuit

Since 2001

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Q. My wife has a daughter that isn't mine that I have raised for the past 15 years. Will I have to pay child support?

April 12, 2019

A: The short answer is no, but it depends on a few other factors.

Children from other relationships are not considered for child support. The "depends" part is if the mother believes you are the father, which can be overcome with a DNA test, which would then result in you not paying child support.

Basically, the law states :

RCW 26.16.205

Liability for family support—Support obligation of stepparent (which you are presumably Not, being unmarried).

....When a petition for dissolution of marriage or state registered domestic partnership or a petition for legal separation is filed, the court may, upon motion of the stepparent, terminate the obligation to support the stepchildren. The obligation to support stepchildren shall cease upon the entry of a decree of dissolution, decree of legal separation, or death.

This law speaks to stepparents and stepchildren, which I understand is not your case, since you're not married to the child's mother. But even if you were married, you would not be responsible. In my practice, we have many cases of divorce and paternity (unmarried couples with a child), where there is a half-sibling. In my experience, that child of the other parent is not considered for a source of child support. The court would look to the biological father of that child.

Of course, your case is specific, and this information should be regarded as general information, and not legal advice specific to your situation. My office is always available to review your case individually. ... Read More

Q. I’m a father living in Washington State and I pay child support in NY. I need a lawyer should I look for one here or NY?

November 27, 2018

A: Short answer: It depends.

You wrote that you needed a lawyer, but didn't give the reason. It depends on what you are trying to accomplish. If you're looking to modify the amount of support or other order, and if the children have been living in New York for at least the last six months, you will need an attorney licensed to practice in New York to handle the case there, because New York has jurisdiction over the children. There may be exceptions: If the children have been living in Washington State for at least the past six months, you may transfer the case here. Another reason a case may be filed in Washington may be in the case of an emergency, such as domestic violence or if the child is otherwise in danger. There are other factors to consider whether you must use a New York attorney for your case in New York, or if you can use a Washington attorney to bring your case here.

As you can see, the answer depends on your specific situation. I recommend that you consult with a family law attorney to discuss the details of your particular issues, since every situation is different. ... Read More

Q. My child’s father recently moved to California, me and the child live in Washington, we don’t have a parenting plan...

March 30, 2018

A: I wouldn't wait to see if you are going to get in trouble for not allowing your child to talk to the other parent. There may be reasons to do so, but I would rather see you present the issue to the court and get a judge to issue an order.

If the child resides in Washington, you can file a petition in Superior Court in the county where the child lives, then ask for a parenting plan and a child support order, the two issues mentioned in your question, as well as other issues that may affect you and your child.

I would recommend that you consult with a family law attorney to discuss the details of your particular issues, since every situation is different.