Practical Legal Guidance Through All Aspects Of A Seattle Divorce

Divorce is life-changing. Yet, it is also an opportunity to create a new future. While divorce presents challenges, our extensive legal experience in navigating these challenges enables us to provide considered and tailored guidance.

At Meridian Family Law, we understand many of the questions you have and the fears you are experiencing. Divorce can feel overwhelming and uncertain. Our goal is to provide advice, options and support. We understand that is it also important to provide explanations to ease your concerns, limit the difficulties, and set you on a better path. Our team of attorneys has a breadth of knowledge and experience representing clients in all aspects of Washington family law.

Untangling The Many Legal Issues You May Be Facing

As a boutique family law firm, we pride ourselves on our commitment to our clients and offering a personalized approach. We focus on providing sophisticated, high-caliber legal services for clients facing family law issues. We work to demystify and untangle obstacles present in your legal matter methodically and efficiently, including:

• Establishing temporary orders to ensure expenses are paid and financial stability is set during the family law process
• Addressing complex property division, including high-value assets such as 401(k)s, deferred compensation plans, stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), performance stock awards, investments and vacation homes
• Navigating issues surrounding business ownership and valuation
• Determining spousal maintenance (also called spousal support or alimony)
• Determining child support and other special expense needs for children, including college
• Developing temporary and final parenting plans as well as assisting with de facto parentage and parentage matters
• Addressing legal issues involved in committed intimate relationship matters
• Drafting prenuptial, postnuptial and cohabitation agreements

We also frequently work with unmarried and LGBTQ+ clients and are familiar with the unique legal concerns they face. Our firm sponsors organizations that provide advocacy for LGBTQ+ individuals in our legal community.

We Prefer A Cooperative Framework For Resolving Disagreements

Divorce and family law issues can seem intimidating and even frightening because of the common misconception that it always comes down to a bitter court battle. Thankfully, that is far from the truth. The court system is not always the best place to resolve family disputes. Many divorces and other types of family law cases are resolved cooperatively and amicably through alternative dispute resolution processes such as mediation and Collaborative divorce, all of which take place outside of court.

Our legal team can help you consider your alternatives to court and help you evaluate the most appropriate course of action for your situation. We are committed to collaborating with our clients to attempt a cooperative, nonlitigation approach whenever possible, especially when the legal matter includes children.

Effective Litigation Representation When Needed

While resolving disputes outside of court is usually preferable, our attorneys are also adept at litigating. Many of our attorneys consistently regularly appear in court to resolve issues that could not be settled. Litigation involves the preparation of legal briefings, declarations and other materials. It also involves going to court and arguing your position before a judge either in writing or verbally in an oral argument. Family law matters, including divorce, go to trial if a resolution cannot be reached by agreement. The trial usually involves multiple days of testimony by the parties and their witnesses before a trial judge. Our attorneys are skilled advocates and argue issues – large and small – to both commissioners and judges.

If you do have an issue or case that needs to go to court for a motion or even trial, our attorneys are well-equipped to handle all aspects of the litigation process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Divorces In Washington State

When you have specific questions about your Seattle divorce, it is recommended to speak with a lawyer directly. Every situation is unique. However, here are general answers to some of the most common questions we hear (please note this is not legal advice as every situation is unique):

Could I force my spouse to sell the family home if we’re divorcing in Washington state?

Yes, that may be possible. If the home is considered marital property and there is no other way to fairly divide your property in the divorce, the court may order the sale of the family home.

If I have a joint business with my spouse, who will operate the business during the divorce?

If you have a partnership agreement, a limited liability company (LLC) or a corporation, your organizing documents may provide guidance on this topic.

If there is no clear provision for this situation in your organizing documents and no agreement otherwise, either you or your spouse may seek to be awarded the business and exclusive control of the business operations while your Seattle divorce is pending and after it is finalized. The court will weigh various factors in determining this, if this is disputed.

What is the difference between having a divorce in court and a divorce in mediation?

In mediation, a neutral third party helps you and your spouse negotiate agreements on all the issues that must be settled in the divorce. The goal is to encourage you and your spouse to communicate openly and look for common ground that will leave you both reasonably satisfied with the results. Mediation is also confidential, can be less costly than traditional divorce, and generally gives both parties more agency throughout the process.

By comparison, a divorce in court puts all the contested issues in the hands of the judge or court commissioner, who will make all of the decisions. Neither party has any control over the outcome. The litigation process can be lengthy and expensive, and proceedings are also public record. Decisions tend to be unpredictable as they are made in each judge’s discretion based on only the information presented in court with little regard for flexibility or creative solutions that may work well for your family’s needs.

Discuss Your Legal Options With A Compassionate, Experienced Seattle Divorce Attorney

To speak with a member of our team, please fill out an online contact form or call us at 206-569-5346. We look forward to getting to know you, learning about your priorities and goals, and helping you make informed, empowered decisions moving forward.