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If you have questions about ending your marriage, you may wonder, “Where can I find a Mercer Island divorce lawyer near me?” At Twyford Law Office, our legal team can guide you through each step of the marriage dissolution process.
Divorce can be complicated and stressful for everyone involved. Legal issues related to family, property, and money can be emotionally draining. A knowledgeable family law attorney from our firm could answer your questions and help you pursue your personal and financial goals.
To become officially divorced, you must get a court order ending the marriage. You could get a divorce simply by filing and going through the legal process. Since Washington is a no-fault divorce state, you do not need to prove that your spouse is guilty of wrongdoing.
You and your spouse could also mutually request and consent to a divorce. To obtain a divorce in this manner, you must both sign a written settlement agreement that resolves all issues, including those relating to spousal support, property distribution, and child custody and support.
Common issues that you must resolve in your divorce include:
A divorce becomes contested if you and your spouse disagree on any aspect of the divorce. Parties generally try to resolve the case outside of court through mediation or negotiation. If that doesn’t work, a judge must then issue rulings on property division, child custody, and spousal support. Because of the necessarily more complex filings and arguments if the matter proceeds to trial, this process can become lengthy and contentious. In these cases, working with an experienced Mercer Island attorney could help protect your rights throughout the divorce process. An experienced attorney can also help to resolve the case before a trial, to avoid unnecessary costs and stress.
If you want to end your marriage, you must first file a Petition for Divorce with the superior court clerk. In accordance with state law, you must wait at least 90 days after filing and serving the petition before the court can finalize the divorce, even if the parties agree on all the issues. Contested divorces will almost always take more than 90 days.
After you file the complaint, your spouse will have the opportunity to file a Response. Once this occurs, the judge may schedule hearings to review the process and allow you both to begin negotiating your issues. In some cases, the judge may order mediation or another form of alternative dispute resolution for particular issues.
If you are able to reach an agreement during this process, you can take a settlement agreement to the judge, with final documents that the Court can sign off on, and you will be officially divorced. If not, the divorce action will proceed to a trial before a judge. This type of divorce litigation can become protracted, but our family lawyer in Mercer Island could support you throughout the process.
Obtaining a divorce is not an easy process, but having the right guidance could make a big difference in how smooth your experience is. If you wish to end your marriage and are asking, “Is there a Mercer Island divorce lawyer near me?” we could help you navigate each step.
At Twyford Law Office, our experienced legal team can offer you the support and guidance you need to move forward with your divorce and life after your separation. Call us today to schedule a consultation.
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