Seattle Family Law Attorneys
Family relationships can be complicated and require different considerations at different stages of the relationship. Whether you are getting married for the first time or navigating the challenges of divorce, Seattle family law attorneys from S.L. Pitts hold your hand and ensure you receive the support you need. We devote our time to your case and show it the sensitivity and respect it deserves.
S.L. Pitts Protects You and Your Family
Joining and separating lives are monumental decisions. These moments are marked with strong emotions and logistical decisions. S.L. Pitts gives you the peace of mind you need to move forward with confidence. Our team takes a creative approach to solving your family law matters so you are protected throughout the process and into the future. We work closely with you to customize strategies for your case and listen carefully to your needs for maximum results.
We work diligently to simplify the process and ensure your matter can be resolved as swiftly as possible. Our family law attorneys possess extensive knowledge of family law that we use to fight for you and handle whatever obstacles may arise. We also provide you with solutions to help you transition into marriage or out of a divorce.
Family Law Covers a Wide Range of Family Issues in Seattle, WA
From before marriage to after a divorce, family law provides oversight for all matters relating to family relationships. As dynamics change or issues arise, legal action must be taken to reach a resolution that is fair and ensures safety for all parties. A family law attorney in Seattle, WA is there to provide necessary legal counsel and help you streamline the processes as much as possible. They can help you navigate all stages of your relationships.
Signing Prenups & Postnups
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements can help couples make decisions regarding their finances and assets early on in the marriage. These legal documents outline the distribution of assets in the event of a divorce or even death. They can also account for various responsibilities and financial obligations for blended families. By filing a prenup or postnup, couples have clarity and protection from the outset.
While both documents are similar, there is a difference between a prenup and a postnup. The biggest difference is that a prenup is executed prior to marriage, and a postnup is executed at any point after the marriage. Prenups are likely to be subject to less scrutiny than a postnup during a divorce. However, the court may not always recognize the validity of a prenup or postnup, so it is important to discuss your options with a Seattle family lawyer at our law firm to protect your rights.
Filing for Divorce
When applying for a divorce in Washington, it is important to understand the requirements so you can ensure the proper paperwork is completed, assets are divided, and child custody decisions are made. If you and your spouse can reach an agreement on all aspects of your divorce, then a judge will need to review and sign off on your divorce to finalize it. However, if you and your spouse cannot reach an agreement, the court will decide on your behalf.
Washington is a no-fault divorce state, so a reason does not need to be stated when applying for a dissolution of your marriage. You can cite irreconcilable differences when starting the process. After a 90-day waiting period, a divorce can be finalized or undergo further action as necessary. Couples can also choose to apply for legal separation if they wish to part but are not ready to fully end their marriage.
The timeline of a divorce can vary considerably. Divorces that are contested often take longer to resolve than those that are not. If you have a significant amount of assets to divide or have to make custody decisions, then the divorce process may be prolonged.
Division of Property During a Divorce
As couples build their lives together, their assets, debts, and property become intertwined. Dividing these up can be complex and take time, especially if couples are not in agreement. While Washington does consider certain property division factors, it is considered a 50/50 state where all assets and debts are divided equally between both parties. Couples can avoid this by creating their own plan for how they want to split everything up.
During a divorce, Washington recognizes both community property and separate property. This means that assets and property that were owned before the marriage, inherited, or gifted specifically to one individual are exempt from being divided up during the divorce. Each individual can keep their own separate property. Conversely, all community property must be divided up according to state law.
Additionally, dividing debt in a divorce may feel more confusing than dividing up assets. Like assets, debts are subject to equal division and equal and separate property. Each party must remain responsible for their share of bills and can still be subject to creditors if these obligations are not fulfilled.
Domestic Violence and Divorce
Domestic violence is any abuse or violence committed against an intimate partner or a child. These dangerous situations often contribute to the abused individual pursuing a divorce. However, domestic violence during divorce may increase as the abuser seeks retaliation or control over the party who filed for divorce. Washington provides options to ensure your safety when you have been the victim of domestic violence.
You can request a protective order in King County to protect you and any children you have. This can be a temporary order used during the divorce process or until child support decisions have been finalized, or it can be a permanent method of protection. Domestic violence is also taken into consideration when division of assets and custody decisions are made.
Alimony and Child Support Payments
Alimony and child support are both used to provide financial assistance to accommodate the family and life changes.
Alimony, also known as spousal support, is used to support one spouse if there is a significant monetary need following the divorce. The length of the marriage, financial need, age, and health are all factors considered when a judge decides on alimony. However, there is no guarantee an alimony request will be granted.
Where children are concerned, child support is required. Both parents must share the financial obligations of caring for their child. Child support is typically paid by the non-custodial parent to assist with the cost of raising a child. However, each parent’s income and financial obligations are taken into account when determining how much child support is to be paid. Legal action can be taken if a parent fails to pay child support per the court’s order.
Child Custody and Child Visitation
Child custody issues often turn contentious as parents disagree over where a child should live and how decisions must be made. While Washington does not use the terms custody and visitation, it does focus on the child’s well-being. Parents are required to develop a parenting plan that addresses the child’s living situation, how each parent will split up time, who has the authority to make what decisions, methods of communication and conflict resolution, and more.
Parents should make sure that they are thorough in their planning and consider all aspects. Your lawyer will help you both discuss points that you may not think about otherwise. They will help you determine the schedule that works best for your family. The more you can decide, the more control you will have over your new family dynamic. If you fail to reach an agreement, the court will decide on behalf of the child’s best interests.
Modifying Existing Court Orders
When a divorce is finalized, the court issues orders regarding its decisions on alimony, child support, child custody, and visitation schedules. These decisions are binding and legally enforceable if the order is not upheld. However, situations may arise where a modification needs to be made to the existing order. All changes must be filed with the court and receive approval before any new action can be taken.
For alimony and child support payments, modifications can be made when an individual’s financial situation changes significantly for better or worse. Changes to custody orders are generally reserved for situations where the well-being or safety of the child is threatened. It is essential to have legal representation for these processes to ensure the proper steps are taken and you have the best chance at a favorable outcome.
Methods for Resolving Family Disputes in Seattle, WA
Many family law matters are emotionally charged and can escalate quickly. Whether you and your spouse are deadlocked about a decision or are required to seek mediation before finalizing your matter, there are options available to reach an agreement without having to resort to litigation. Our family lawyers in Seattle, WA can walk you through your options to help you find the most effective form of alternative dispute resolution for your case.
Mediation is a common option for couples navigating divorces, child custody and support, and other applicable issues. While courts may require it, this is often a voluntary process that takes place with a neutral party who facilitates conversation to help both of you reach a decision. Mediators cannot make any decisions for you, but can help you see each other’s point of view and reach a compromise. The process is private and allows you more control over the outcome.
While arbitration is conducted before a third party, arbitrators do have the authority to issue a decision by the end of the discussions. Arbitration can be binding or non-binding, and it still allows you to keep your matter between yourselves and have more control than you would otherwise have. Binding arbitration decisions are final and are not easily reversed.
If these avenues fail and you are not able to reach a decision you are both satisfied with, your case will have to go to court. This process is considerably longer and more expensive, and leaves you with the least amount of control over your case. A judge will hear arguments from both sides and issue a decision on your dispute.
Financial Preparations Can Impact Your Marriage or Divorce
Finances can be easily overlooked in the excitement of getting married or the desire to divorce your spouse as quickly as possible. However, money matters are vital to your future well-being and can hurt or hinder you, whether you are headed down the aisle or splitting up. Conversations and actions around money should be taken proactively to ensure you have the resources you need to give you peace of mind for what comes next.
Finances are important right from the start. As you build a life together, you and your spouse will also be sharing financial obligations and possibly even bank accounts. When it comes to preparing your finances for marriage, it is essential that you openly communicate with each other about how to handle money, benefits, retirement accounts, and more at the outset. Creating a prenuptial agreement can provide clarity and safeguards for both of your finances.
In the event that you and your spouse dissolve the marriage, you will not only have to divide your assets and finances, but your financial situation can also affect your life after the divorce. It is important to know the ways to protect your finances during divorce so you can weather this transition. Be sure to identify all financial documents and assets and know how much they are worth. Protect yourself and your credit by having accounts and assets in your own name.
Schedule a Consultation with Our Seattle Family Law Attorneys
S.L. Pitts helps you navigate your way through the maze of requirements and decisions in family law cases. We understand how taxing these life changes can be, and we provide you with compassionate support while protecting your interests. Regardless of the situation you are up against, our team is equipped to fight for you and secure results. Learn more about your options. Contact us to schedule a consultation with our Seattle family law attorneys.