- SEATTLE: 206-621-1110
- TACOMA: 253-572-1000
- PORTLAND: 971-416-0881
- OLYMPIA: 360-742-3500
Seattle and Tacoma Real Estate and Divorce Attorneys
Assisting clients in solving real estate disputes related to divorce
When divorcing spouses cannot agree on the division of real estate, the resulting disputes can be lengthy, costly, and emotionally charged. At the Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, we understand how to minimize the costs and stress of real estate disputes in a divorce and still ensure that you receive a fair outcome. If you are facing a divorce and own real estate, PLEASE CALL ONE OF OUR OFFICES NOW AT (206) 621-1110 OR (253) 572-1000 FOR A FREE 15-MINUTE PHONE CONSULTATION.
What happens to the family home in a Washington divorce?
One of the most important assets to a married couple is usually the family home. You and your spouse likely carefully chose that real estate, and the home likely holds emotional as well as financial value. For this reason, one of the primary points of contention in a divorce is which spouse—if any—gets to keep the family home. If you and your spouse are unable to agree on the fate of the family home, the determination will be up to the courts.
Washington is a “community property” state, which means that even if only one spouse purchased the home during the marriage, the court will likely presume the home to be owned by both spouses. The court can examine many factors when dividing such property, including whether one spouse will have primary custody of any children and whether it is in the best interest of the children to remain in their family home. The court may order one of the following:
- That one spouse retains ownership of the real estate and buys out the other spouse’s share.
- That one spouse retains ownership of the real estate and awards the other spouse other types of community property, such as investments or other assets, to balance out the real estate.
- That the real estate is sold and the spouses equitably divide any proceeds.
Solving real estate disputes on your own terms
Leaving real estate division determinations up to the judge can greatly increase the cost of your divorce and may cause significant delays as you argue it out in court. In order to limit costs and time spent on your divorce, we encourage alternative methods of dispute resolution. For example, mediation can provide a safe environment for you and your spouse to attempt to settle real estate disputes without turning to the courts. Additionally, pursuing a collaborative divorce under the Washington State Uniform Collaborative Law Act (Chapter 7.77 RCW) can help eliminate litigation as a solution to real estate disputes in divorce.
Contact a Seattle and Tacoma divorce attorney for assistance today
At the Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, we will explore every option to solve real estate disputes in your divorce case and will always have your best interests in mind, including keeping the costs of divorce as low as possible.
WE HAVE OFFICES IN SEATTLE AND TACOMA, SO PLEASE CALL NOW FOR A PHONE CONSULTATION AT (206) 621-1110 OR (253) 572-1000 TODAY.
Attorney Robert Dickson
The core of Rob’s legal practice is civil litigation, with an emphasis on construction, real estate, and business law. He represents a wide range of clients, from large construction companies to individual homeowners. His is a practical approach to law, which strives to balance the need for a successful legal outcome with a client’s financial goals (or constraints). Outside of his private practice, Rob serves as an adjunct professor at the Seattle University School of Law where he teaches real estate litigation. [ Attorney Bio ]
Thomas L. Dickson
Tom is an experienced litigator and the founding partner of the firm. For over 30 years, he’s helped clients prevail in their real estate, construction, and business law matters.
Heather Burgess
Heather represents property owners and developers in all phases of real estate development, from pre-acquisition due diligence through local permitting and appeals.
Robert P. Dickson
The core of Rob’s legal practice is civil litigation, with an emphasis on construction, real estate, and business law. He represents a wide range of clients, from large construction companies to individual homeowners.
Daniel J. Frohlich
Dan’s legal practice focuses on civil litigation, real estate law, business law and probate law. He has more than 10 years of experience as an attorney serving clients throughout Western Washington.
Mark S. Johnson
Mark’s legal practice focuses on civil litigation, real estate law, business law and family law. He works tirelessly to help his clients achieve the outcome they are looking for.
Trevor A. Zandell
Since graduating with honors from law school in 2005, Trevor has been serving the legal needs of businesses, individuals, and families across Southwest Washington.
Daniel E. Pizarro
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Daniel is active in the firm’s civil litigation department. His practice is mainly centered around real estate law, landlord-tenant law, construction law, and probate law.
Alexander J. Wisbey
Alexander Wisbey comes to the firm with 5 years of experience as a litigator and trial attorney. He has first chaired several jury trials and has extensive experience handling arbitrations, mediations, depositions, and settlements.
Andrew Hata
Andrew is the head of our Transactional Department and focuses his practice on corporate governance, real estate transactions, commercial contracts, and corporate finance.
Kelley Duggan
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Kelley practices in a wide range of areas, including estate planning, probate, civil litigation, and intellectual property law.
Cambria A. Queen
Cambria is an Associate with Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess in the civil litigation department, where she practices primarily real estate and probate law.
George Knight
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, George is active in the firm’s civil litigation and transactional departments. His practice is mainly centered around business law, real estate law, construction law, employment law, and probate law.
Chris Pierce-Wright
Chris comes to Phillips Burgess Tacoma from Seattle, where he served as an associate attorney focused on insurance litigation with Wilson Smith Cochran Dickerson.
Jennifer Yoo
Jennifer is an associate attorney at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess where her current practice focuses on real estate law, contract and commercial disputes, and business law.
Katherine E. Baals
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Katherine practices in a range of areas, including real estate, construction, business, and civil litigation.
Kenneth Chan
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, PLLC, Kenny is active in the firm’s civil litigation and transactional departments. Prior to working at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Kenny was an in-house attorney for a Fortune 100 company.
Brian Buske
Following his graduation from Lewis & Clark Law School, Brian garnered valuable client experience working on international compliance and intellectual property issues.
Kyla S. Bennett
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Kyla practices in a range of areas, including real estate, land use, and civil litigation.
Matt Wand
Matt was born and raised in East Multnomah County in the Gresham area where he lives and has raised his family. His wife of more than twenty-five years is Anne Wand and they have three children together.
