Protecting Your Interests in Divorce
Seattle, Washington Area, Divorce Lawyer
Family Law Form
Ending a marriage is an intensely personal process that unfortunately must be legalized by the state. Whether you reached a mutual decision, or one of you decided it was over, the mixed emotions can cloud your reasoning. Our attorneys can help you sort out the vital issues and determine a course of action that meets your goals.
Free 30-Minute Consultation: 206.625.9800
Based in Seattle, Washington, Engel Law Group represents men and women throughout the Puget Sound area. Your marital residence will determine where the papers are filed and where your case is heard, and we practice in all family courts of King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties.
A Proactive Approach
Whether you are initiating the divorce or were served with papers, early consultation with an experienced attorney is recommended. A judge will issue temporary orders regarding child custody, visitation, financial support, and use of joint assets. Our attorneys need information to help you develop a solid strategy, and you have questions and concerns. We will personally sit down with you to discuss your circumstances and what is important to you going forward. By identifying clear goals, you will be better focused on the core issues as emotions flare.
Practicing since 2003, our attorneys have handled all types of divorce:
About Divorce in Washington State
Divorce, also called Dissolution of Marriage, requires no grounds other than "irreconcilable differences." The divorce can be granted even if one other party wants to remain married. The soonest a divorce can be granted, even if all details have been worked out, is 90 days after filing. If any part is contested, such as child custody, it may take much longer.
Divorces rarely go all the way to trial. When they do, it is expensive and drawn-out, easily lasting a year or more. Our attorneys give clients realistic expectations about the process, and urge them to find common ground unless the other party's outrageous stance compels litigation. You may not be completely satisfied by a negotiated divorce settlement, but it will be equitable and enable you to move on.
Division of Marital Assets
Whether your marriage estate is valued at more than $1 million or you have few assets, division of property can become a hot button issue. Attorneys from our office can determine which assets constitute community property and which are separate property (not subject to the divorce settlement). We are experienced in accurate valuation of QDROs (401(k), stock options, pension plans, IRAs), investments and business interests, multiple homes, and all joint property.
Equitable distribution does not require a 50-50 split of everything. In many cases, both parties are happier with a more creative division. For instance, if your spouse wants to stay in the house, you might be compensated for the home equity by receiving the lion's share of the retirement assets. On the other hand, one party may agree to assume a greater portion of the household debts in exchange for an increased proportion of the assets.
Put Yourself in the Best Position
We can protect your interests in all aspects of divorce, including spousal maintenance, child support obligations, and custody issues, while moving the process along and minimizing the animosity. Contact me today at 206.625.9800 for your free half-hour consultation.
