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Divorce FAQ

Navigating a divorce in Seattle, Washington, can prompt many questions during what’s often a challenging period. For years, the Twyford Law Office has been guiding families in Seattle, WA, through divorce proceedings.

If you’re contemplating a divorce, you could benefit from the support of a seasoned Seattle divorce attorney. We’re here to aid you in reaching an agreement on vital issues such as asset division, custody of children, child support claims, and spousal maintenance.

Below are some common queries our legal team encounters from clients. To learn more, reach out to Twyford Law Office to schedule a free consultation with a Seattle divorce attorney at (206) 590-7085.

How Can Twyford Law Office Help With a Divorce in Seattle, Washington?

Navigating the complexities of divorce in Seattle, Washington, can be an emotionally taxing and intricate process. At Twyford Law Office, our Seattle family law attorneys can play a pivotal role in guiding you through this challenging time, protecting your rights, and serving your best interests. 

When you choose us to represent you in your divorce case, our Seattle divorce attorneys will:

• Offer legal advice tailored to your unique circumstances
• Clarify Washington divorce laws, including the no-fault divorce provision
• Assist with the equitable distribution of marital assets and debts
• Help identify what constitutes marital property and advocate for a fair division that considers the financial and emotional contributions of both parties
• Assist in navigating the complexities of child custody and support arrangements
• Strive to reach an agreement that serves the best interests of children, including negotiating parenting plans that outline custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and financial support 
• Manage paperwork and legal filings required
• Ensure all documents are correctly prepared and filed within the required timelines

In cases where an amicable resolution is not possible, we’ll represent you in court. Having an experienced Seattle divorce lawyer in your corner can give you the best chance of achieving a positive outcome and ensuring you’re treated with fairness and respect.

What Are the Steps for Obtaining a Divorce in Seattle, Washington?

Obtaining a divorce in Seattle, Washington, involves several key steps to ensure the process is conducted legally and efficiently. 

Understanding these steps can help you navigate the complexities of divorce proceedings with confidence:

• Filing a petition for dissolution of marriage in the Superior Court of Washington for the county where either spouse resides. The petition outlines the basic information about the marriage, grounds for divorce, and any preliminary requests regarding division of property, child custody, and support.

• Once the petition is filed, it must be officially served to the other spouse, providing them with notice of the divorce action. The served spouse has the opportunity to respond to the petition, agreeing or disagreeing with its terms.

• Either party may request temporary orders for child support, custody, spousal support, or property restraint, which are valid during the divorce proceedings.

• Both parties exchange information regarding assets, debts, income, and expenses. This step is crucial for negotiating a fair division of property and determining appropriate support arrangements.
• Couples may reach an agreement through negotiation or mediation. If an agreement cannot be achieved, the case will go to trial, where a judge will make the final decisions on all contested issues.
• Once all issues are resolved, the court issues a Decree of Dissolution of Marriage, officially ending the marriage.

Contact the attorneys at Twyford Law Office to discuss your case and learn more about the process of obtaining a divorce in Seattle, Washington.

What Is Alimony?

Known as spousal support or maintenance in Washington state, alimony can be a component of divorce proceedings when appropriate. Unlike child support, which has more straightforward guidelines, spousal maintenance is determined based on a variety of factors and is not guaranteed in every divorce case.

The court considers several aspects when deciding on spousal maintenance, including:

• Duration of the marriage
• The financial situation of each spouse
• Standard of living established during the marriage
• Age, physical, and emotional condition of the spouse seeking maintenance
• The ability of the paying spouse to meet their own needs while providing support
• Time needed for the spouse seeking maintenance to obtain education or training for employment purposes

Spousal maintenance aims to help a financially dependent spouse become self-sufficient or ensure that both parties can maintain a standard of living reasonably comparable to what they had during the marriage. 

The court determines the amount and duration of the maintenance on a case-by-case basis.

How Long Does It Take To File for Divorce in Washington?

The duration of the divorce process in Washington can vary significantly, depending on the complexity of the case and whether it is contested or uncontested.

A key factor affecting the timeline is Washington’s mandatory 90-day waiting period, also known as the “cooling-off” period. This period starts from the date the divorce petition is filed and served to the other spouse. This means that the quickest a divorce can be finalized is approximately three months.

However, if the divorce is contested—meaning the spouses cannot agree on key issues like property division, child custody, or support matters—the process can take much longer. A divorce can sometimes even take a year or more. The duration in these situations is influenced by the court’s schedule, the time needed for negotiation or mediation, and the complexity of the legal issues that require resolution.

Contact Our Seattle Divorce Lawyer for a Free Consultation Today

Twyford Law Office stands by our clients through every phase of divorce in Seattle, Washington. Whether your divorce is straightforward and uncontested or complex with disagreements and contention, we can help.

If you’re facing divorce proceedings in Seattle, WA, our knowledge and experience can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Give us a call today at (206) 590-7085 to get the process started so you can move on with your life with the help of our Seattle divorce attorneys.