Demystifying The Divorce Process
Divorce can seem scary and intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. The more you understand what to expect, the more at ease you can feel about the road ahead. We at Northwest Family Law, P.S., can serve as your guide and advocate on this major life journey. We demystify the process, explaining the legalities in ways that make sense for you and your situation and providing thoughtful guidance to help you make informed decisions. We don’t want the divorce process to derail your well-being or future. It is our belief that with a strategic approach grounded in your goals and vision for the future, you can move forward in a positive direction toward the life you deserve.
What To Know About Divorce In Washington
‘No two divorces are ever the same’ may be a cliche but it is nevertheless true. Every divorce is unique. The attorneys and staff of Northwest Family Law understand the uniqueness of your situation because we know that no two clients are ever alike. That’s why we listen. We want to hear your story. Different circumstances require different actions and have different solutions. Northwest Family Law will guide you through the legal complexities and toward the best possible outcome. We know you have questions. You are moving away from the life you have known, possibly for decades, to the unknown – the new life you are seeking. General, visceral questions like:
Is my life going to change? How? What will happen to my relationships? With our friends? My In-laws? How do I tell the kids?
Specific questions about process like:
What about the house? How long is the divorce going to take? Do I have to go in front of a judge? What do I do while the case is pending?”
Northwest Family Law answers those and other questions. Our clients are never in the dark about their case, they always know where they stand.
Post-Divorce Issues
Even after the initial divorce case is resolved – whether through mediation or trial – that isn’t necessarily the end of the road. As your life progresses, changes might arise, requiring you to revisit the existing divorce decree with regard to issues such as:
- Spousal support (alimony)
- Your parenting plan
- Child support
You may need to request a modification to get permission to relocate, for example. Or you may find yourself defending against your ex’s motion to modify the original order. You may also need to pursue further court involvement to enforce the existing order if your ex refuses to comply.
How Long Is The Divorce Process?
The average divorce takes about a year from start to finish, but it’s impossible to guarantee any particular time frame. Numerous factors can impact that timeline, including:
- The complexity of your case and the number of issues involved
- Whether you and your ex are on good terms and able to reach agreements outside of court
- Whether complicating factors such as domestic abuse are at play
Washington imposes a 90-day waiting period in divorce cases, which means the court can’t file a final order within 90 days after the initial petition.
Work With A Divorce Team That Is Focused On Your Goals And Needs
It goes without saying that divorce is a major life step. You deserve a team of professionals by your side through all stages of the process. Here, you will find a forward-thinking attorney who is committed to putting you first. We know the road ahead – the many twists and turns it may take – and we are here to help. We hope to ease your concerns and make the transition much less daunting. We invite you to reach out to our firm in Kirkland for more information about how our lawyer can help you move forward toward a brighter future. You can also call us at (206) 792-0981 to get started with an initial consultation.