Top Mistakes to Avoid When Filing for Divorce in Seattle or Tacoma

The ending of a marriage or long term relationship can feel isolating, overwhelming, and even shameful for many people. However, it’s essential to remember that you do not have to move through this challenging period of your life on your own. Seeking out the support of loved ones and friends can give you the encouragement and reassurance you need to navigate each step of the divorce process. Another considerable source of support during this stressful time is having a dedicated and highly supportive Seattle divorce lawyer by your side who can help you identify your divorce goals and protect your best interests at every opportunity—whether it be through more informal, collaborative negotiations or during a more contentious courtroom battle to finalize the divorce. Although the prospect of a do-it-yourself (DIY) divorce without the costs of legal services may seem preferable at first, many people find that having a skilled and experienced divorce attorney in their corner ensures that the process moves forward smoothly and productively while safeguarding their best interests along the way. 

Another benefit of hiring legal counsel to assist you with your divorce in the Seattle or Tacoma area is being able to recognize common divorce mistakes and implement successful strategies that help you avoid these potentially costly errors or oversights. When you work with one of the highly qualified and caring attorneys at the Hemmat Law Group, Seattle’s go-to divorce and family law firm, you can avoid common divorce filing mistakes in Washington state and move through the legal process with greater confidence. Let’s take a closer look at some of the common divorce errors in Tacoma and Seattle and tips for securing fair and favorable divorce terms to set you up for a bright and stable future.

Why to Avoid DIY Divorce in Washington State

Some couples approach the divorce process with the hope of working through it on their own (i.e., without hiring legal representation). Although the prospect of saving money is attractive, going through the divorce process in Washington state without any kind of legal guidance or support can leave both parties more vulnerable to costly mistakes or decisions that could lead to significant complications once the marriage ends. Below are just a few of the top uncontested divorce mistakes that couples can make as they attempt to separate their lives from one another. 

Not Understanding Washington Divorce Laws

As you begin to take the steps to work through the divorce process, it’s important to understand how divorces in Washington state are handled. In other words, you will need to review the forms that need to be completed and filed with the court and be aware of all filing deadlines to make sure the process is able to move forward in a timely manner. For instance, many Washington residents are surprised to learn about the state’s mandatory 90-day waiting period that must be observed before the court will finalize the divorce. Other people are not aware of how Washington’s community property laws affect the division of assets and debts during the divorce process, so it’s worth familiarizing yourself with the state’s divorce laws to ensure that you know what to expect at every step of the process. 

Underestimating Financial Disclosure Requirements

Financial mistakes in divorce can lead to some of the most significant challenges. Even if you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse have agreed to a collaborative divorce (meaning that you agree to communicate with each other respectfully and honestly), issues regarding financial disclosure can arise during these critical conversations. Unfortunately, one party may attempt to conceal certain information or assets in order to secure a more favorable outcome for themselves. For instance, someone may attempt to hide financial assets by “gifting” them to a friend or family member. Not only are such activities illegal, but this level of dishonesty undermines the integrity of the divorce process. Working with an experienced Seattle divorce attorney is the best way to protect yourself from an ex acting in bad faith or concealing assets from you during the divorce process. 

Rushing the Parenting Plan

Divorcing parents must address complex considerations about what happens to their children once the divorce is finalized. In Washington, divorcing parents complete what’s known as a parenting plan that addresses key details pertaining to custodial roles, parenting and visitation time, decision making procedures, and other information relating to the child’s welfare and wellbeing. As you work through the parenting plan with the other parent, it’s important to work through any disagreements and negotiate the terms so that you are both satisfied with the specifics of the plan. Putting together a hasty parenting plan can result in the court sending it back to you for further review or clarifications—which can drag out the divorce process even more. Moreover, making quick decisions without fully discussing the implications can lead to complications or even conflicts well after the divorce is finalized. Rushing a parenting plan can increase the likelihood of a parent having to file a modification request later on, which can be a time-consuming and costly process. Instead, it’s best to focus on the details of the parenting plan and move through it with the care and attention it deserves.

The Risks of Divorce and Social Media in Washington State

When you picture the divorce process, you likely do not think about the role that social media could play in these important decisions and negotiations. However, more contested and heated divorces can prompt the parties to use each other’s social media platforms and activities as a negotiating tactic. For instance, a party claiming that they do not have the financial means to pay spousal support may have this assertion questioned or undermined by their recent social media posts from a luxurious vacation trip. Or, social media posts that bad-mouth your ex or make unfounded accusations can backfire and trigger significant complications during the divorce process. Generally speaking, it’s best to avoid all mention of your divorce until well after the marriage has ended in order to avoid potential complications or unfavorable repercussions.

Skipping Legal Guidance and Going it Alone

If your divorce seems relatively straightforward, you may consider using free online tools and forms to move through the process on your own. While Washington state does not require divorcing parties to hire legal counsel in order to proceed with the legal process, taking a DIY approach can be more risky. Many of the online resources that aim to help people through the divorce process tend to be overly generic and too vague to fully suit the specific needs and goals of each individual moving through this process. When you consult with a knowledgeable and experienced Seattle divorce lawyer, you can trust that they will assess the details of your case to ensure that your best interests (and those of your children, if applicable) remain protected at every opportunity. Additionally, having a skilled and compassionate legal advocate in your corner can provide you with the much needed encouragement and support you need to navigate through your divorce and step into a bright and secure future. 

Ignoring the Emotional Component of Divorce

Although the divorce process is primarily a series of steps and logistics, it’s essential to also acknowledge the emotional elements that accompany this significant life change. Whether your marriage lasted for less than one year or it endured for decades, the loss of this romantic relationship can be heavy to mourn. It’s important to recognize that your emotional vulnerability plays some role in your ability to make decisions. Many people find it helpful to seek out the support of a mental health therapist who can help them process their emotions and encourage them to approach these significant decisions with greater poise and attentiveness. 

Work With a Trusted Seattle Divorce Lawyer to Set Yourself Up For Success

Realizing that your marriage is no longer working can be a devastating and emotionally draining experience. Even if you and your spouse agree that filing for divorce is the best way for you to move on, it’s natural to experience a range of feelings, from anger to grief to sadness. During this vulnerable time, the prospect of making a series of monumental decisions that will affect your post-divorce life can be particularly daunting. That’s why enlisting the guidance of a highly skilled and caring Seattle divorce lawyer is recommended for those in need of support during this stressful time. Our dedicated legal team is passionate about treating every client with the care and attention they deserve. We are driven by values of empathy, integrity, and honesty, and we are acutely aware of the many challenges and inequities in the legal landscape. When you work with us, you can expect excellence at every level. We are committed to making sure that we communicate clearly and frequently so that you can feel confident in the steps we take together to safeguard your future.  

During challenging times, it’s encouraging and empowering to lean on others for the support you need to move forward. At the Hemmat Law Group, we recognize how stressful and overwhelming the divorce process in Washington state can be, which is why we are committed to working at your side at every step of the process to ensure that you can move into a strong and bright future. Please contact our Seattle office today at (206) 682-5200 to get started with a caring and highly qualified divorce attorney.