When a marriage fails, sometimes the best option is to get divorced. A divorce is more than just a separation; it is a chance to reconcile disputes by utilizing Washington family law as a guideline. This sounds easier than it often is, so it’s a wise choice to get reliable legal information from qualified Federal way divorce lawyers before making any final decisions.
Make no mistake about it, going through a divorce is never easy, even when both partners agree that it's best to go separate ways. Studies show that a divorce is one of the most emotionally devastating experiences a person will endure in their lifetime. When kids are part of the equation, negotiations may take an ugly turn. This is one of the many reasons why your choice of divorce lawyer matters.
Before beginning the divorce process, it’s a good idea to examine how it will affect you and your children emotionally and economically. Every choice that arises during the divorce will also have far reaching implications that last a lifetime. Your concerns need to be addressed, and our Federal Way divorce attorneys can give you insight into your situation based on Washington family law – information that will help you make better choices.
Some of the questions to consider before a divorce include:
Our experienced team of litigators has more than 50 years of combined experience, and we realize that no two cases are ever the same. That’s why our Federal Way divorce lawyers seek to earn your trust by offering you personalized attention and compassionate care. When difficult choices arise, trust will go a long way toward reaching fair and reasonable agreements with your spouse. If they are unwilling to cooperate, then we will aggressively pursue other options and do everything the law allows to ensure you're treated fairly.
Federal Way, family Court, and Your FamilyFederal Way is located in King County and considered part of the Seattle metro area. With a population approaching 100,000, it is one of the top ten largest cities in Washington State. Federal Way was a logging settlement in the old days, but got its name from Federal Highway 99, which ran from Seattle to Tacoma. If you would like to learn more about the local government of Federal Way, or get information about their Municipal Court, check out their government website.
Federal Way's close proximity to Seattle and Puget Sound makes for endless recreation, eating, and shopping options. However, the city itself has some quality attractions that residents and visitors find well nigh irresistible. The Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center is quite popular with locals and it boasts an Olympic size swimming pool that is sometimes used for international swimming and diving competitions.
If you love fun in the sun, the Wild Waves Theme Park is an attraction you don't want to miss. Not only is the only permanent amusement park in Seattle, it's also the place to buy Christmas trees during the Yule season.
All of the fun frolicking in the world can't fix a broken marriage. So, Federal Way residents dealing with family law issues must direct their attention to the King County Family Court. If you click the link you will be directed to their web page, which is full of information that you may find useful. The court handles all sorts of serious matters including divorce, separation, paternity, adoption, support, and many others.
Regardless of your situation, you should talk to a qualified King County divorce lawyer about your situation, so that you can better understand how these laws apply to you.
Understanding Some of the More Common Divorce and Family Law IssuesIf you're a Federal Way resident considering a divorce or dealing with a family law issue, you probably have a lot of questions. Remember that we offer a free consultation, which is a great way to get legal information regarding your specific situation, but we offer the following basic knowledge for some of the more common issues we deal with.
Child Custody – Who will get custody of your kids? Will you be the primary custodial parent, or will it be your spouse? Is there any way to share primary custody? If you're not the primary custodial parent, what will your visitation rights include? These are all important questions to ask before getting a divorce, but getting answers isn't always easy. Custodial arrangements are set forth in a document called a parenting plan and it must be followed to the letter by each parent, but how are these documents created?
Ideally, parents work out the details of the parenting plan during divorce negotiations. This is not always easy. If both parents disagree on the nature of custody arrangements, the situation can quickly become emotionally charged. We urge our clients to maintain focus and do their best to work out these details with their ex in an amicable way. This sometimes means telling a clients something they don't want to hear, but it will be something they need to hear. If negotiations fail, the court will hammer out the details of the parenting plan, and that may not be in your best interests. However, if your ex and their lawyer refuse to treat you fairly, your Federal Way child custody lawyer won't back down from a fight to the finish.
Child Support – Will you have to pay child support? If so, how much will it be every month? Will you be able to collect child support from your ex? Can you pursue child support from a man who won't admit they are the child's father? These questions are all important to answer, because you child needs financial support to ensure good health. The family court's primary role is to ensure kids are taken care of, so if you're dealing with any of these issues, talk to one of our Federal Way child support attorneys without delay.
Spousal Maintenance – Will I have to pay my ex alimony? Will I be able to collect alimony after I'm divorced? These are good questions, and if you were a stay at home parent during your marriage you may be worried about finances. Our Federal Way spousal maintenance lawyers have an in-depth knowledge of this issue, and we can usually give you an answer to the above questions after asking just a few questions.
Divorce for Men – Are fathers treated equally by the court when it comes to child custody issues? This is a valid question because it wasn't too long ago that the court showed favoritism to mothers because they were seen as more nurturing. However, that is not how the courts work today. Still, many men we represent have fears that their needs will be superseded by the needs of their ex. If you're worried, contact one of our Federal Way divorce for men lawyers and make sure your rights are protected.
Protection Orders and Restraining Orders – If my spouse is abusive, what can I do to protect myself and my children? Sometimes abuse has been going on throughout the duration of a marriage, and sometimes it starts only after the divorce process has begun. Either way, you should never allow the cycle of abuse to go unchecked. You must protect yourself and your children, and the best way to do this is to seek a protection or restraining order. If you would like more information on this topic, you can contact one of our Federal Way protection order lawyers for a confidential consultation.
Modifications of Support – Is there any way to change the amount of support I'm paying every month? Can I petition the court to increase the amount of support I receive from my ex? Modifications of support are possible in some situations, but there has to be some significant change in a person's life for the court to accept the petition. Serious illness and/or losing your job could qualify, but only a judge can make the final decision. If you would like more information, talk to one of our Federal Way support modification lawyers and get the help you need to petition the King County family court.
These are just a few of the more common family law issues we handle. If you have questions about paternity issues, adoption, or are seeking to end a same sex marriage, we have the answers you're looking for.
Our Federal Way Divorce Attorneys can Assist You with Complicated Family IssuesFor many separated couples, family law issues can arise that require help from a legal professional. Common family law problems that arise in Federal Way include modifications of support for children and spouses, visitation disputes, and questions of paternity. In instances such as these, you will want professional guidance from a lawyer with experience handling family law.
Whether you are considering a divorce, or facing a complex family law issue, our Federal Way divorce lawyers can help. You can contact our law office today for a free and confidential case evaluation designed to help you get reliable information meant to aid you in taking the next step.
If your next step includes retaining one of our legal professionals, they will immediately begin work on your case so that it can be resolved as quickly as possible.