Seattle Divorce Attorney

Divorce can be one of the most difficult and emotionally taxing processes one encounters in their lifetime. Aside from all the pain of a long-term relationship dissolving, there can be heartache and frustration found in the legal processes required to end the marriage. While often divorce can be amicable and relatively peaceable, other times there can be bitter fighting and contention. Whether amicable, or not, having a knowledgeable and experienced divorce lawyer provides invaluable resource in securing the best settlement and division of assets. At the Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess law firm, our family law attorneys are well equipped to handle any type of case, regardless of the complexity or details involved.

Washington Divorce Law

In Washington state, a divorce is referred to as a “dissolution of marriage.” A separation of marriage can be accomplished by deciding that the relationship is “irretrievably broken,” meaning that there can be no further measures taken to successfully repair the marriage. Washington state is a “no-fault divorce” state, which allows individuals to file for divorce without holding each other responsible for the failure of their relationship. Only one spouse must desire a divorce in order for a separation to be granted.

A divorce may be filed in Washington if either of the parties currently resides within the state. The divorce must be filed in the county in which the individual resides; if both parties live in Washington, in different counties, then it may be filed in either. After filing for divorce, there is a required ninety (90) day waiting period. Disputes and complications surrounding the circumstances of the divorce can cause delays, which could increase the length of this waiting period.

If a dissolution is particularly hostile, complex, or there are considerable assets to be divided, it may be necessary for the courts to be involved in deciding the separation of assets between the two parties, including property and money, as well as other important decisions, such as custody of children from the marriage. Litigation can be complicated and difficult to handle for both sides, so it is imperative to have an attorney who is able to aggressively fight for your interests and manage your case in a way that brings you the least amount of stress and worry. While the litigation process can be relatively unpredictable, having an experienced attorney means that you can be ready for any unforeseen challenges that arise, and can take comfort in knowing that you are in the care of an empathetic and invested advocate.

In many cases, litigation and the court process are unavoidable. However, for some scenarios, in which the separation is relatively more peaceable or easily executed, mediation is a time- and money-saving option in which an enforceable and binding solution can still be met, outside of the courts. Mediation involves a neutral third party, who helps to split the assets and make important decisions, without the need to present the arguments before a judge. The goal of mediation is to arrive at a middle ground, where both parties can walk away with a fair decision and satisfaction. Mediation typically involves negotiating in a controlled environment, and eventually signing a contract spelling out exactly how assets will be split, issues of custody, and more. This contract is legally enforceable and binding. While not always possible, a mediator is a great option for divorce proceedings in which the two parties are able to come to some consensus amicably.

Alimony is another outcome of divorce not to be neglected. Sometimes referred to as spousal support or spousal maintenance, alimony is the required payment from one spouse to another based on the needs of one spouse, and ability to pay off the other. This payment can come in many different forms, including money to compensate for a smaller share of property or other assets, continual payments for a period of time or indefinitely, or a one-time lump sum, among others. Typically, judges decide alimony based on a wide variety of factors, including children and custody, employment, education costs, and others. It is important on either side of a divorce to petition for a fair alimony agreement, whether that is receiving all that is owed, or paying only what is necessary.

In any case, an experienced attorney can be the difference in the outcome of your case. Choose Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess Law Firm for your family law needs, and know that your case will be handled in the most efficient way, with your interests as the first priority from beginning to end. Call today for your phone consultation!