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!

Attorney Robert Dickson

Attorney Robert DicksonThe 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 ]

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    Attorney Thomas L. Dickson

    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.

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    Attorney Heather Burgess

    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.

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    Attorney Robert P. Dickson

    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.

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    Attorney Daniel J. Frohlich

    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.

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    Attorney Mark S. Johnson

    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.

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    Attorney Trevor A. Zandell

    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.

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    Attorney Daniel E. Pizarro

    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.

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    Attorney Alexander J. Wisbey

    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.

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    Attorney Andrew Hata

    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.

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    Attorney Cambria A. Queen

    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.

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    Attorney George Knight

    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.

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    Attorney Chris Pierce-Wright

    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.

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    Attorney Jennifer Yoo

    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.

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    Attorney Kenneth Chan

    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.

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    Attorney Brian Buske

    Brian Buske

    Following his graduation from Lewis & Clark Law School, Brian garnered valuable client experience working on international compliance and intellectual property issues.

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    Attorney Matt Wand

    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.

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    I highly recommend Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess and if I ever need a lawyer again they will be my first call.

    - Jeremy H.

    I can’t even tell you how much I appreciate this firm! These guys helped me through one of the most challenging legal situations I’ve faced in my life. Their skill and expertise literally saved my business. I’ve dealt with other counsel in the past but the Dickson firm was by far the most competent and tactful counsel I’ve ever received. I would recommend this group to anyone!

    - Keith D.

    It’s a pleasure to work with the guys at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess. One of the first things that stood out to me was how down to earth and friendly everyone at the firm is. I would definitely recommend them.

    - Den L.