When a couple marries, they make a commitment to support each other during life’s highs and lows. While many marriages endure the test of time, others deteriorate for any number of reasons. In some cases, spouses may simply drift apart, while other couples may experience a dramatic event (like a betrayal) that endangers the marital relationship. Regardless of the specific circumstances pertaining to your relationship, you may be at the point of exploring your divorce options so that you and your spouse can turn the page and begin the next chapter of your independent stories. It’s common for people to feel slightly overwhelmed and even intimidated by the prospect of moving through the divorce process in Washington state, as you will be tasked with making a series of significant decisions and negotiating the terms of your separation before the divorce can be finalized. What’s more, you will likely experience complicated emotions during this vulnerable time.
Even if you and your spouse are parting on relatively amicable terms, it’s natural to feel a sense of grief, loss, and sadness as you mourn the ending of this important relationship. While it may be tempting to minimize these feelings in order to focus on the details of your divorce, it’s important to find ways to work through these emotions in healthy and meaningful ways (such as leaning on trusted friends, going to therapy, or integrating stress management practices into your daily routine). Another strategy to minimize the stress of the divorce or legal separation process is to enlist the guidance of a highly experienced and caring Seattle divorce lawyer who can work with you to ensure that your best interests are protected at every step of the process. While Washington does not require divorcing couples to hire attorneys in order to finalize their divorces, taking this step is highly recommended. Let’s take a closer look at how enlisting legal representation during divorce can improve your chances of securing a fair and secure outcome so that you can move forward with the confidence and stability you deserve.
Navigating Community Property Law in Washington State
The divorce process has several components for the parties to address, the most prominent of which involves the division of property, assets, and debts. As a community property state, Washington considers any property that is “acquired after marriage or after registration of a state registered domestic partnership by either domestic partner or either husband or wife or both” to be community property. This means that both parties are entitled to this property, regardless of which spouse actually brought in the asset. For example, the income that one spouse earned during the course of the marriage is typically considered community property, meaning that the other spouse has a right to an “equitable” share of these assets in the event of a divorce. Or, an asset (such as a valuable car) that is only in the name of one spouse (but that was purchased during the marriage) is also subject to Washington’s community property laws. As you might expect, property division negotiations can grow heated and complicated, as questions about community property versus separate property are likely to arise along the way. With a knowledgeable Seattle divorce attorney by your side, you can rely on their expertise and deep understanding of community property laws to help you negotiate a fair and equitable outcome. Hiring a divorce attorney to assist you with these tricky conversations and determinations can also help you avoid common legal pitfalls that may jeopardize your chances of securing a just resolution.
Access to Superior Negotiation Skills to Obtain a Favorable Outcome
Another advantage of seeking legal counsel during the Seattle divorce process is knowing that this experienced professional knows how to negotiate a favorable divorce agreement or settlement that protects your best interests. As someone going through a divorce, it’s common to lose sight of the bigger picture while you focus on individual elements—which can contribute to a sense of confusion and distraction. However, your experienced Seattle divorce lawyer knows how to help you make informed decisions that align with your overall divorce goals, empowering you to move forward into a brighter and more stable future.
For example, you may fixate on obtaining an equitable divorce agreement, assuming that the term “equitable” automatically means an even fifty-fifty split of every asset. The logistics of dividing the community property exactly down the middle may not be feasible, which can lead to feelings of frustration. Your divorce lawyer, however, can step in to help you negotiate a division of property that is logistically much simpler and still maintains the spirit of an equitable division. Instead of selling the home you and your spouse owned and splitting the money fifty-fifty, you and your divorce lawyer may negotiate an agreement that allows you to remain in the home and assume ownership of the property. In exchange for assuming ownership of the home, you may agree to let the other party take ownership of other valuable assets, such as sports cars or rental properties, to keep the division of property as equitable as possible. No matter what the specific circumstances and considerations of your situation may be, you can trust that working with a trusted and experienced Seattle divorce attorney is the best way to ensure that you walk away from your marriage on stable financial ground.
Providing Objectivity and Emotional Support
It’s no surprise that divorce is often a disruptive and destabilizing experience for most people. Not only are you tasked with making monumental decisions that carry lasting consequences for the next phase of your life, but you are also coping with heavy emotions and grieving the ending of a partnership. If you are feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of moving through the divorce process, it’s worth reaching out to a highly qualified and empathetic Seattle family law attorney to voice your concerns and identify your goals. Together, you and your attorney can determine the most strategic path forward, whether that looks like taking these negotiations to mediation or preparing to make your case before a judge in court. Divorce is far from a one-size-fits-all endeavor; rather, the shape of your divorce should be customized to address your unique needs and concerns. Finding an attorney who can provide you with the much-needed objectivity you need during a highly stressful time, while also giving you the emotional support and reassurance you crave, will empower you to move through each step of the legal process with greater poise and confidence.
Common Questions About the Seattle Divorce Process, Answered
Naturally, questions will arise throughout the divorce process. You can turn to your knowledgeable Seattle divorce lawyer for the trusted answers you need to make informed decisions. In the meantime, here are some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Seattle divorce process and some brief responses to provide you with the basics.
Can I Handle My Divorce Without a Lawyer?
Technically, you do not have to have an attorney to obtain a divorce in Washington state. That being said, it’s highly recommended that you hire a skilled and caring divorce lawyer, as having a dedicated legal advocate in your corner can maximize your chances of obtaining a fair and favorable outcome. Sometimes, just knowing that someone is looking out for your best interests at all times can give you the peace of mind and comfort you need to move forward.
How Do I Choose the Right Divorce Attorney in Seattle?
When you begin your search for a divorce lawyer in the Seattle area, you will quickly find that there are many options available to you. However, it’s important to take some time to find an attorney who cares about you and your goals. You can schedule consultations with a few potential attorneys to get a feel for their styles and approaches before you decide which legal professional to hire. Ultimately, you will want to find someone with whom you feel comfortable and confident in their ability to advocate for you and your future.
What Are the Typical Costs of Hiring a Divorce Lawyer?
Many people are concerned about the cost of hiring a lawyer, which is understandable. For instance, transitioning from a dual-income household to your post-divorce reality can affect your financial situation considerably. However, before you decide against hiring a lawyer because of what it will likely cost, it’s worth discussing your concerns with potential divorce attorneys to get a sense of the financial reality of hiring legal representation. Many Seattle divorce lawyers are willing to take the time to explain why investing in their services is worth your time and money. Generally speaking, the upfront costs of hiring a divorce lawyer pale in comparison to the potential long-term financial consequences of accepting an unfair divorce agreement or settlement because you did not have a legal advocate to argue on your behalf. If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of working with a trusted and experienced Seattle family law attorney, reach out to the Hemmat Law Group today to get started.
As you begin to explore your divorce and legal separation options in the greater Seattle area, it’s worth discussing your goals and concerns with a dedicated and trusted attorney who can help you obtain a fair outcome. Reach out to the Hemmat Law Group today by calling (206) 682-5200 to get started with a highly qualified and caring divorce attorney.