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Ending a marriage is a major life decision that can take several months, if not longer. Spouses in this position can greatly benefit from taking the time to develop a plan that addresses pre-filing considerations for high-asset divorces in Bellevue. Our attorneys at Twyford Law Office could help you identify and achieve your goals at every step of the process.
Every divorce presents unique circumstances and challenges, which can influence the pre-filing actions that will matter the most in your case. Meeting with an experienced high-asset divorce lawyer prior to filing could provide you with important context for how a divorce may proceed and determine the best steps to take beforehand.
Filing for divorce starts a chain of events to legally separate yourself from your spouse. It is important to have a plan for meeting the financial and non-financial needs that you will likely have while awaiting a court order that finalizes the terms of the divorce.
For example, many spouses do not wish to reside in the same residence as their soon-to-be ex-spouse during the divorce. Spouses should consider their living arrangement options and have contingency plans in place.
A key pre-filing consideration for many Bellevue spouses in a high-asset divorce is establishing access to income or assets to meet short-term financial needs. Spouses may need to consider setting up a separate bank account, finding employment, and taking other steps to protect assets or income.
Complex financial situations with the potential for dispute, such as the equitable distribution of property and spousal support, should also be considered before filing for a high-asset divorce in Bellevue. It is not uncommon for spouses to have limited insight into the financial details of their partner.
Consider using the time before filing for divorce to gather as much financial information as possible that could be useful in future negotiations and petitions for equitable distribution. Examples of details that could be relevant may include:
We work with various financial professionals, including accountants and planners, to review this information and limit the risk of a spouse withholding assets in the divorce.
During the pre-filing stage of a high-asset divorce in Bellevue, a spouse may need to consider petitioning for additional temporary orders under RCW 26.09.060. A spouse may request an order for temporary alimony based on their financial need during the divorce proceedings. Courts may grant spousal support based on factors such as a spouse’s ability to independently meet their financial needs, their health, standard of living during the marriage, and the length of the marriage. A spouse may also seek temporary child support to cover childcare-related expenses.
The circumstances of pre-filing for divorce may also necessitate temporary orders beyond those for financial support. Divorce cases involving domestic violence, harassment, and other problems may require establishing additional legal protection through a temporary restraining order that limits where the ex-spouse can go. As a part of this order, the court can also require the ex-spouse to surrender any firearms, other dangerous weapons, or a concealed pistol license.
Pre-filing considerations for high-asset divorces in Bellevue are an important logistical step for protecting your rights and interests until the court can issue a final order. Meeting with an experienced lawyer before filing could provide important information about how the divorce process will impact your life and help you understand the key steps you need to take.
Schedule a consultation with our attorneys at Twyford Law Office today.
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