Pierce County Divorce & Family Law – Tacoma
Washington divorce law is complicated – Our attorneys can help
Going through a divorce takes a tremendous emotional toll on both ex-spouses, and children, if any are involved. Adding insult to injury, Washington family law is confusing, and trying to decipher divorce statutes can be tricky if not impossible. Most Washington State residents have never had to deal with the courts, so the entire situation may seem daunting.
Obviously, you want to understand Washington State family law and how it applies to your particular set of circumstances. Our Pierce County divorce and family law lawyers are ready to help you get a detailed grasp on how Washington laws apply to your situation.
When you work with our law firm, you have a team of dedicated Pierce County divorce attorneys doing everything in their power to ensure your legal rights are protected and acknowledged. Reading legal statutes is one thing, but understanding how they apply to you and your family is what truly matters.
Some of the more common legal questions we hear from divorce clients include:
- Does family law require that I go to court?
- Where can I find family law statutes online?
- How does the court decide who pays child support and how much it will cost?
- Does the law help me prevent my ex-spouse from taking a piece of property I would like to keep?
If you have questions, contact our Pierce County law office today and get the answers you need without spending a dime. We offer a free consultation, which means you can get answers from a legal team with more than 50 years of combined experience.
Taking control of your legal situation
Our Washington State divorce lawyers contend that only you know what’s best for yourself and your children. When it comes to sensitive family law issues, it’s important to ensure that the law is working for you.
Your divorce lawyer will act as your legal advocate throughout your divorce proceedings. They will answer your questions and help you strategize a plan to maximize the possibility of a favorable outcome.
Often, there are choices that must be made. After all, nobody gets everything they want out of a divorce. Your lawyer will clearly outline your options and offer you reliable legal guidance in an effort to help you make the best choice possible.
This is how you and your WA State family law lawyer build a relationship based on trust and respect. Sometimes divorce cases can be resolved via negotiations and sometimes they end up in court. Either way, you will never doubt the effectiveness and dedication of your divorce lawyer.
Washington divorce law and it pertains to your case
Washington State divorce laws apply to everyone but no two cases are alike. As a result, there is no effective one-size-fits-all approach to family law. You are unique, and your divorce or family law matter is also unique.
Still, your divorce attorney must have a detailed knowledge of the law, because they must be well-versed in a variety of legal topics, including:
- Property division
- Spousal support
- Child custody
- Child support
- Paternity
When it comes to legal representation, you should never settle for anything less than an attorney who is experienced and well-versed in Washington State family law. When you call for your free consultation, your divorce lawyer can answer questions related to the law and how it applies to your situation.
Facts about Washington State divorce law
First, let’s take a look at the Washington State Statute for Dissolution of Marriage, which is what the law calls divorce.
Statute 29.09.020 outlines the details of a petition for divorce as follows:
(1) A petition in a proceeding for dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership, legal separation, or for a declaration concerning the validity of a marriage or domestic partnership shall allege:
(a) The last known state of residence of each party, and if a party’s last known state of residence is Washington, the last known county of residence;
(b) The date and place of the marriage or, for domestic partnerships, the date of registration, and place of residence when the domestic partnership was registered;
(c) If the parties are separated the date on which the separation occurred;
(d) The names and ages of any child dependent upon either or both spouses or either or both domestic partners and whether the wife or domestic partner is pregnant;
(e) Any arrangements as to the residential schedule of, decision making for, dispute resolution for, and support of the children and the maintenance of a spouse or domestic partner;
(f) A statement specifying whether there is community or separate property owned by the parties to be disposed of;
(g) If the county has established a program under RCW 26.12.260, a statement affirming that the moving party met and conferred with the program prior to filing the petition;
(h) The relief sought.
This statute also outlines that either party can initiate the dissolution process. Keep in mind that this is merely how divorce proceedings begin. The law outlines every other step that must take place during this process, which gets even more complicated if children or a large number of assets are included.
This is why hiring an attorney you can trust is so important. Navigating the complex waters of Washington family law requires education, skill, and experience.
When ex-spouses are unable to agree on various terms of the divorce, a judge will step in to make those decisions. This is why we urge clients to do everything in their power to work with their ex-spouse toward a reasonable and fair outcome. If you have to craft a parenting plan, this becomes even more important.
However, if your spouse and their Washington family law lawyer prove unwilling to compromise, we will take your case all the way to court and aggressively defend your interests.
Is it possible to handle your own divorce without a lawyer? Sometimes, this is possible, but each party must be willing to cooperate and agree to the terms laid out in the divorce and/or parenting plan. You must also consider that you may be fully unaware of your legal rights, which could lead to a poor decision that you regret later in life.
This is why it makes good sense to talk to a qualified Pierce County lawyer who understands Washington divorce law. Your consultation is free, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
A breakdown of common family law and divorce issues
Family law cases can quickly become emotionally charged. Clients in Pierce County, Washington, who are going through a divorce often face unique challenges that necessitate specific legal guidance and support. By taking time to understand the fundamentals of common family law issues, you can prepare yourself for the process of divorce and the many nuances that may affect your case.
Divorce
Divorce is one of the most common family law issues in Pierce County. It involves the dissolution of a marriage and involves matters like property division, child custody, and spousal support.
Washington is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that neither party needs to prove wrongdoing in order to file for divorce. Instead, the court focuses on resolving practical issues while seeking to ensure a fair outcome for both parties.
Property division in divorce cases follows community property laws. This means that assets (and debts) acquired during the marriage are usually divided equally unless parties agree on a different arrangement. Factors like individual contributions, financial needs, and agreements between the spouses can influence the court’s decision.
The divorce process can be stressful, but having the right legal support can make it easier to navigate. An attorney familiar with Pierce County’s family courts will help you understand the steps involved and protect your interests at every stage.
Contact one of our Pierce County family law attorneys for a free consultation today.
The most common family law matters faced by divorcing couples in Pierce County include child custody, child support, spousal support, and divorce.
Child Custody
Child custody disputes are often the most emotionally challenging part of a family law case. The court’s primary goal is to make decisions that are in the child’s best interest. In Pierce County, custody arrangements typically fall into one of two categories: physical custody, which determines where the child will live, and legal custody, which addresses decision-making authority over the child’s education, healthcare, and upbringing.
Parents are encouraged to create a parenting plan that details specific custody and visitation arrangements. When parents are unable to agree, the court will craft a parenting plan based on factors that include the child’s age, emotional needs, and each parent’s ability to provide a stable environment.
If you are navigating a custody dispute, it is essential to focus on the child’s well-being. Working with an experienced Washington State family law attorney can help you advocate for a fair arrangement while protecting your rights as a parent.
Child Support
Child support ensures that the financial needs of children are met. In Washington, child support is calculated using state guidelines. Factors such as the parents’ incomes, the number of children, and expenses like healthcare and education are taken into consideration.
The non-custodial parent, who may spend less time with the child, often pays child support to the custodial parent, but both parents share the responsibility for meeting the child’s financial needs.
If your financial situation changes after a child support order has been established, you may request a modification of the support. This process can help address significant life changes, such as job loss, a substantial increase in income, or new expenses related to the child’s care.
Legal guidance from a qualified Pierce County family law attorney is important to ensure that any adjustments are handled correctly and fairly.
Spousal Support
Spousal support (alimony), is a common issue in divorce cases. This financial arrangement is designed to provide one spouse with financial stability following a divorce, especially if there is a significant income disparity between the parties.
In Pierce County, spousal support is determined based on a variety of factors, including the duration of the marriage, the earning capacity of each former spouse, and the standard of living established during the marriage. Spousal support may be temporary or established long-term, but much depends on the specific details.
If you believe spousal support is necessary or are concerned about being ordered to pay, it is crucial to understand your rights. An experienced Washington State family law attorney can help you advocate for a fair outcome.
Family Law in Pierce County
Family law matters are often deeply personal. Whether you are dealing with a custody dispute, financial support issues, or the end of a marriage, it is important to work with a trusted legal professional.
Our Pierce County family law attorneys provide the experience and knowledge necessary to address these challenges. We routinely help clients understand their legal rights, navigate the courts, and work toward solutions that meet their needs.
If you are facing a family law issue, take action today. Consulting with an attorney can give you clarity and confidence as you move forward.
Negotiating a divorce and Washington family law
When you and your ex-partner disagree on the terms of the divorce, it’s necessary to negotiate a fair outcome because the court requires fairness. During negotiations, it’s vital that you understand the law so that you can protect your interests.
As an example, did you know that the Washington Family Court has no jurisdiction over your parenting plan if your children have lived in the state for under six months and another state has not issued a custody order?
This example shows how the law sometimes applies to negotiations and why it’s important to understand how the law applies to you before you enter negotiations.
The negotiation process can also be emotionally draining and exhausting. You will likely have to sit face-to-face with your ex-spouse and their lawyer. Any negative feelings you may have about them based on your personal history can lead to animosity and arguments if you’re not able to maintain your composure.
Your attorney will help you maintain focus by keeping your attention on the law and offering you reliable legal counsel when you need it most. By starting with a realistic set of goals, this process becomes far easier.
Remember that Washington State family law is written to protect everyone equally. The Constitution of the United States of America gives you the legal rights that your attorney seeks to protect. In the eyes of the law, everyone is supposed to be treated the same. We make sure that’s what happens.
In the quest for a favorable resolution, there is no substitute for preparation. Understanding WA State family law is the first step in this process.
A few words about Pierce County, Washington
Pierce County, Washington, is nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest. It’s a place well known for its incredible beauty and thriving cultural scene. Pierce County has an endless number of attractions and activities for residents and visitors alike. The backdrop for Pierce County is Mount Rainier, visible from incoming airplanes and one of the state’s best locations for outdoor activity.
Tacoma is the largest city in Pierce County. Tacoma’s famous waterfront showcases several incredible attractions, including the Museum of Glass. Visitors from around the state and the country visit the Museum of Glass, and it’s a must-see for anyone interested in contemporary art.
Nature enthusiasts visit Mount Rainier National Park in growing numbers every year. Campers, hikers, and bird watchers all thrill to the many endless outdoor opportunities available in the park. The diverse ecosystems that make up the park are home to various Flora and fauna. Photographers and adventure seekers consider the park the crown jewel of Washington state.
Pierce County also boasts a strong sense of community, with numerous festivals throughout the year. If you have some time to spend in Pierce County, hike a trail or enjoy one of the many local festivals or farmers markets. If you live in the region and are considering a divorce, contact one of our Pierce County family law attorneys today.
Contact us today for a free consultation
If you have any more questions about the law, you can check out this Pierce County family law resource of tools designed to help with answers. When you’re ready, contact our law office and enjoy a free consultation with one of our experienced divorce lawyers
We understand that Washington family law is voluminous and complicated. Most people have little understanding of legal matters especially as it pertains to some of the most important issues you’ll ever have to address.
Make sure you get the information you need to make the best decisions possible during your divorce negotiations by working with a legal team that boasts more than 50 years of collective experience. You don’t have to worry about effective legal representation when you work with a team of lawyers who care about the end result and every client they work with.
