Get Knowledgeable Legal Guidance from an Experienced Divorce Lawyer Serving King and Snohomish Counties
Maybe you worked hard to try to salvage your marriage, maybe it wasn’t destined to work, or perhaps you and your spouse just don’t see eye-to-eye anymore. No matter what the reason, divorce (called “Dissolution of Marriage” in Washington) can be uncomfortable and upsetting—even if it’s the best thing for all involved, and even if you and your soon-to-be-ex are in agreement. At Luminosity Law we know divorce is seldom easy, but we help make it less stressful through:
- Advocacy: We represent your goals and work for your best interests
- Compassion: We listen to you and put your needs at the forefront
- Honesty: Integrity counts, and you can count on us to give you our frank opinions, and to treat you fairly and respectfully
- Communication: We keep you informed, answer your questions and address your concerns in a timely manner
We also make sure that you understand all your options and the different paths a divorce may take, including:
Agreed divorce (uncontested divorce)
If you live in Washington or have established residency here—and if you and your spouse agree on all terms of a divorce—you may file a petition and joinder for an “agreed” divorce. An agreed divorce generally takes less of an emotional toll on all involved, is typically less expensive and can be completed more quickly than a contested divorce. But be aware that “all terms” means just that: division of property (both debts and assets), child custody and visitation, child support, and spousal support. As your divorce attorney, we complete the filing in an accurate and timely manner. Moreover, we help make sure that all terms of the agreement ensure your best interests, as well as those of your children.
Contested divorce
Washington is a “no-fault” state, meaning that the only reason you need to file for divorce is irreconcilable differences. However, when you cannot come to an agreement about one or more (or any) of the key issues to end your marriage, your divorce must be resolved with reference to the legal system in the county of filing. In a contested divorce, each spouse typically has their own legal representation. Typically, even divorces which are “contested” at the outset are resolved by agreement—either informally or by participating in court-mandated dispute resolution. When a divorce cannot be resolved without a trial, it is heard before a judge who will hear testimony from witnesses and examine the evidence provided, such as financial documents or parenting evaluations. As your legal representative, we work hard to present the judge (who is often pressed for time) with an organized and persuasive case to facilitate a favorable decision for you.
Medium to high net-worth divorce
When wealth is involved, divorce becomes more complex and requires the help of an attorney with not only experience in these types of cases but also connections with trusted professional experts in forensic accounting, taxes, appraisals, and business valuation. In addition, issues surrounding child custody, child support, and spousal support (alimony) are often contentious in medium to high net-worth divorces. We often work with clients in divorces that involve closely held businesses (for instance: family-owned companies, retail or restaurant operations, or professional practices). Whether you are the professional or the less-advantaged spouse, matters of valuation, appraisal, buy-outs, and division of property require the guidance and representation of our experienced King and Snohomish County divorce lawyers.
What you need to know about divorce proceedings
Whether you are resolving your matter by agreement or are involved in a high-conflict situation that goes to court, all Washington divorces follow certain procedures. These include:
- Proving residency
- Preparing and filing a Petition for Divorce, along with required forms
- Filing forms with the appropriate court
- Accomplishing “service” of divorce pleadings
- Completing financial disclosures/financial declaration
- If minor children are involved, successfully completing an approved parenting seminar
- Entry of final orders (whether agreed between yourselves or as ordered by a judge after trial) including the Final Divorce Order—which awards property and debt, addresses spousal support, if any, and allocates the payment of attorney fees and costs; and, where there are minor children, a Parenting Plan and a Child Support Order.
You deserve a skilled divorce attorney
Get the advocacy you need when going through a divorce. The attorneys at Luminosity Law in Mountlake Terrace, WA, bring experience, compassion, and commitment to helping you through the process. To learn more, please call us at (425) 275-5000 or contact us online to schedule a consultation to discuss your needs.
