Divorce is difficult for both spouses, but men have unique challenges and concerns that must be acknowledged. Many men, especially fathers, are worried about fair treatment. They wonder whether their former spouse will get custody of the kids and keep the house while they are on the hook for child support and alimony payments. The truth is the Washington State Family Courts seek to treat both partners as equals while formulating an equitable divorce arrangement. Still, you should always make sure your rights are protected by working with a lawyer who truly understands your specific goals.
Whether you're getting a divorce or dealing with a modification of support, our Washington State divorce for men attorneys can help. With more than 50 years of collective experience, we have the tools to ensure your interests are protected in regards to child custody, property division, and support. Contact us today for a free consultation to find our more about these serious topics.
First Steps – Which Partner is Filing for Divorce?In most situations involving divorce, either the husband or wife files first. These are the first steps of the divorce process, and it's important to handle them correctly.
If your wife files for divorce it may come as a complete shock. Being served with divorce papers can be devastating, leaving you with a host of questions and uncertainty about your future. You may feel so emotionally distraught that you exercise poor judgment. Some men acquiesce to every demand made by their wife, which is probably what she was hoping for.
The first thing you need to do is talk to a lawyer familiar with men's divorce issues. You can guarantee that your wife has a lawyer and a game plan firmly in place. You have to meet certain deadlines to address her petition for divorce with something called a Response to Petition. You also need your own game plan. This is not going to be easy and you may even feel like giving up, but you have legal rights that must be protected. If there are children involved, you also need to think about what's best for them
It's also likely your wife has filed motions for Temporary Orders in regards to child custody, child support, and spousal support. She may even petition the court to give her custody of your kids, grant her control over your shared assets, and perhaps even live in your house. All of which underscores how important the actions you take right now truly are. Contact one of our Washington State divorce for men lawyers and protect your legal rights.
If you want to file for divorce there is a lot of work to do and many questions to ask. Is your wife amenable to the divorce? Will she be willing to negotiate the terms of the divorce? Will you petition the court for Temporary Orders? Will you be serving your wife with divorce papers?
Something to consider is that Washington is a no-fault divorce state, which means that you can obtain a divorce for any reason if there is an irreconcilable breakdown of the marriage. This means that you don't need to prove that your wife had an affair with another person, or that they failed as a partner. In fact, the court has no interest in these details because they simply see that the marriage is at an end.
When you talk to your Washington State divorce for men lawyer, they will want to fully understand your goals in relation to child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division. There are numerous other issues that will likely come into play. The goal is to be prepared.
Modifications of Support – Dealing with the Aftermath of a DivorceSometimes situations change and men who are paying for, or receiving, support need to petition the court for a support modification. More often, men make more money than women, so they are required to pay support based on their higher income. A few years after the divorce, a number of events could motivate a request for a modification of support, including:
To obtain a support modification, you will have to show the court that there's been a substantial change of circumstances. Obviously, you need help from a qualified Washington divorce for men attorney to meet the challenges set forth by the family court. We can help.
Contact us for a Free ConsultationOur WA State divorce for men attorneys will ensure that you are treated fairly throughout the divorce process. We will help you with complex issues that include:
We offer a free consultation to all men who are facing the realities of divorce and other family law matters. We understand your unique concerns, and are well equipped to address them. If you have questions about divorce for men, contact our law office and let us help you take the next step.