DIVORCE

In Washington, a divorce is called a “dissolution of marriage”. It is started by filing and serving a petition for dissolution. A divorce case is finalized through the entry of Findings of Fact, a Decree of Dissolution (divides property and debts, awards spousal maintenance, orders a name change, enters restraints). If there are children, there must be a Parenting Plan and Order of Child Support. There is a 90 day waiting period before final orders can be entered.

Getting divorced is a process that varies based on the complexity of the financial/parenting issues and level of conflict between the parties. In the beginning of a divorce, we will assess your immediate concerns and need for a “holding pattern” while the divorce is pending – where the kids will live, getting a spouse to move out, who is going to pay what bills, use of property, etc. These types of rules are put in place with Temporary Orders that can be entered by agreement or after a court hearing. Before our first meeting, I will ask you to write down your list of questions. Not every case needs court intervention. However, every case needs to be properly evaluated so that my client can be educated about the range of possible options. Cases can be resolved in many different ways such as when the attorneys negotiate with each other directly or with the help of a mediator. One attorney cannot represent both parties.

It is natural for people to seek advice from friends and family, but please keep in mind that every family’s dynamic and financial situation is unique. Whether you’ve been married for a few months or 30+ years, I can help you move from stress and confusion to final resolution and the next phase of your life.

Seattle Divorce Lawyer

As a Seattle divorce lawyer, I go to court at both locations of the King County Superior Court in downtown Seattle and Kent. My main office is in Bellevue, but on occasion I meet clients in my downtown Seattle location. When a divorce is filed in King County, the clerk issues a Case Schedule with an assigned judge and trial date about 11 months out. Temporary orders are ruled upon by Commissioners on the family law motions calendar. King County Superior Court judges preside over dissolution trials. If you have children you will need to take the “What About the Children” parenting seminar.

Bellevue Divorce Lawyer

As a Bellevue divorce lawyer, my office is located in the Factoria area that is convenient to I-90 and I-405. I regularly practice at the King County Superior court locations in downtown Seattle and Kent. Cases assigned to the downtown Seattle courthouse include all of King County north of I-90, including Seattle, Mercer Island, Bellevue, Issaquah, North Bend and Vashon Island. Cases assigned to the Kent courthouse include all of King County south of I-90 except those included in the Seattle Case Assignment area. When a divorce is filed in King County, the clerk issues a Case Schedule with an assigned judge and trial date about 11 months out. Temporary orders are ruled upon by Commissioners on the family law motions calendar. King County Superior Court judges preside over dissolution trials. If you have children you will need to take the “What About the Children” parenting seminar.