A Seattle Family Law Attorney On Your Side
Passionately Protecting Your Seattle Family
The family serves as the bedrock of society and the foundation of our personal lives. Practicing family law is among the most sacred legal responsibilities an attorney could ever have and a Seattle family law attorney from ZafiroLaw understands that.
When it comes to your family, it’s impossible to be neutral or detached. This is why family law matters are highly emotional situations. As Seattle family law attorneys, our ultimate goal is to be your advocate as you navigate this difficult period in your life.
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What Does a Family Law Attorney Do?
A Seattle family law attorney helps families and spouses through some of the most challenging moments of their lives, including divorce, child custody matters, parenting plans and other matters that impact families.
Family law attorneys help clients understand their rights and will advocate on their behalf to ensure these rights are protected.
At ZafiroLaw, we understand that family law matters can be emotionally trying and overwhelming. Our compassionate attorneys are here to help. Our family law services include:
Premarital (Prenuptial) Agreements and Post-Marital (Postnuptial) Agreements
Properly drafted premarital agreements can serve as a solid foundation for your marriage. They clarify expectations, put you both on the same page financially, and diminish misconceptions that could otherwise cause problems later, providing other benefits as well. I help make that happen by drafting clear and concise agreements, making sure neither party has any misconceptions before beginning married life.
Post-marital agreements accomplish the same purpose, but they are put together during your marriage. I will help you draft an agreement that helps shape the division of property and spousal support if a divorce or legal separation ever occurs.
Validity of Marriage
Sometimes, a declaration of invalidity (also known as annulment in some jurisdictions) is the recommended way to end a marriage, especially when immigration matters are involved.
I am one of the few attorneys with in-depth experience in such cases. I can and will advise you on whether annulment is the appropriate solution for you.
Legal Separation
Legal separation differs from divorce in that you and your spouse remain legally married but the court will still enter orders pertaining to child custody, visitation, spousal support, and property and debt division.
If legal separation is the appropriate way to deal with a difficult marriage, and it’s more suited to your particular family dynamic, I will walk you through the necessary steps.
Divorce
Divorce is a trying and emotionally exhausting experience for everyone involved. I understand this, which is why I represent my clients with the emotional sensitivity and understanding that their case deserves.
However, divorce also demands more than just an understanding attorney. In contentious divorces, aggressive legal advocacy is necessary to protect a client’s rights. ZafiroLaw always fights for the rights of clients by any legal means to ensure the client’s legal rights are protected. We are proud to serve all clients and we are an LGTBQ+ally firm, learn more here about same-sex divorces. We also can provide uncontested divorce and divorce mediation services
Parentage/Paternity Action
The state of Washington’s family law courts operate under the presumption it is in a child’s best interests for both parents to have an active presence in a child’s life. ZafiroLaw holds this view as well, which is why we represent clients looking to establish paternity.
Whether you are an unmarried father looking to establish paternity or are a mother who wishes to determine paternity through a DNA test, ZafiroLaw will provide legal guidance and support throughout the process. I can also assist where the disestablishment of parentage is the issue. More about our paternity services here.
Child Custody
Learn more about our child custody and parenting plan services, here.
Child Support Modifications
When necessary, child support payments must be modified and increased to ensure the child’s needs are being met. When such a need arises, parents can count on ZafiroLaw to fight for their child’s right to receive the financial support they need. More about post-divorce modifications here.
Parenting Plan Modifications
It sometimes happens that parenting plans have to be modified for the good of the children and the family as a whole. If you face such a situation, I will use my qualifications and experience to ensure that the resulting modifications are in your children’s best interests. If your rights as a parent must be protected and defended, ZafiroLaw is ready to do so.
More about post-divorce modifications here.
Protection Orders, Restraining Orders, and Anti-Harassment Orders in Situations Involving Domestic Violence
Domestic violence affects millions of Americans every year. It fractures families and can destroy lives. If you are being threatened or harassed by a family member or a current/former romantic partner, ZafiroLaw can help you obtain the protection you need by securing one or more of these orders:
- Protection orders
- Restraining orders
- Anti-harassment orders
These orders provide protect domestic partners and children, and I will make sure these protections are put in place.
I can also help you in defending false allegations of domestic violence and harassment.
Division of Property and Assets
As a community property state, Washington law dictates that the court must divide a couple’s property fairly and equitably. You deserve to receive your fair share of the marital estate that compensates you for your marital contributions.
I will protect your best interests at each stage of the property and asset division process.
Division of Debts and Liabilities
Like property and assets, marital debts and liabilities must be fairly shared. Marriage is a joint venture, and when the marriage breaks down, the onus should not be on one spouse to carry the load.
I will make sure that your financial burdens are not inequitable and unfair under Washington law.
International Divorces
Does your spouse reside outside the United States? A nonresident spouse and even marital property in a foreign country can complicate a divorce, but ZafiroLaw has successfully represented many clients dealing with an international divorce, and will do the same for you.
Property Settlement Agreements
A property settlement agreement allows you and your spouse decide how you want to divide marital property. This is a much better option than leaving the decision in the hands of a court that does not understand your relationship or its dynamics. ZafiroLaw will help you draft a fair and equitable property settlement agreement that gives you what you need for the future.
How Do I Find a Good Seattle Family Law Attorney?
When it comes to family law matters, finding the right attorney is crucial. Divorce, child custody and other family matters have a significant impact on your life. You need an attorney who can help you navigate the challenges that lie ahead.
There are several things to consider when searching for an attorney, including:
- Family law experience. Your attorney should be focused on family law. A general practice attorney may not have the direct experience needed to help you achieve the best outcome for your case.
- Reputation. Does the firm or attorney have a positive reputation? Check online reviews and ask the attorney for referrals to ensure they will be a good fit.
- Level of service. Does the attorney have the time to give your case the attention it deserves? Will they be available to answer your questions or offer the level of communication that you want or need?
- Compassion. Having an attorney who understands and empathizes with your situation can go a long way in making the process less stressful.
At ZafiroLaw, we put our clients first – always. We focus on family law and understand the challenges that you face as a family. We strive to offer an unmatched level of service and help clients through some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
What Questions Should I Ask at My Family Law Consultation?
Consultations give you an opportunity to learn more about the firms and attorneys you’re considering hiring. During this initial meeting, you will get a chance to get to know each other and determine whether the attorney can help you with your case.
You will also have the opportunity to ask questions. Here are some important questions to ask a Seattle family law attorney during a consultation:
- Do you have experience with cases similar to mine?
- Will I need to talk to my spouse about anything?
- Who else will be working on my case?
- How often will you contact me?
- How will this process work?
- How much will this cost and how will I be billed?
- What will my role be in this process?
You may have additional questions that you want to ask about your specific situation. Be sure to include these as well.
The consultation is the ideal time to ask as many questions as possible so that you have a clear picture of how the attorney can help and whether they will be a good fit.
What Are Collaborative Divorces Versus a Cooperative Divorce?
Divorce is divorce for many couples. You’re ending your marriage. But as far as the law is concerned, there are many types of divorce, including:
- Collaborative
- Cooperative
What is a Collaborative Divorce?
During a collaborative divorce, an agreement is made, called the “Participation Agreement,” which must be signed. The agreement states:
- Negotiations will proceed without filing a motion
- No threats of involving the court will occur
Both spouses will have their attorneys sign the agreement and everything is meant to be conducted in “good faith” without litigation. If the parties cannot come to an agreement under this type of divorce, both attorneys commit to not participating in the litigation.
A collaborative divorce is designed to minimize the stress of litigation, and in the ideal scenario, this may be true. We often see couples enter into these agreements, but things can go awry, and disagreements may not be resolvable outside of the courtroom.
Here’s where the problem begins for most couples.
If you like and trust your attorney but you need to go through litigation, the stress is often more intense because:
- Your attorney has already agreed to withdraw if litigation is necessary
- You’ll need to find a new attorney and start the divorce proceedings over again
Cooperative divorce solves many of these problems and is often the preferred option. While we do not work on collaborative divorces, we can assist you with a cooperative divorce.
What is a Cooperative Divorce?
Cooperative divorces still involve both spouses and their attorneys coming together to work through the divorce. Agreements are made between each spouse to work towards a settlement with as little conflict as possible.
Every effort in a cooperative divorce is made to avoid litigation, but when compromises cannot be made and both parties cannot come to an agreement, you’re still able to:
- Work with your attorney
- Proceed to the next stage of the divorce process
For us, cooperative divorce is ideal because both parties may enter proceedings in good faith, but stances and feelings can change.
We want to see your divorce through to the end, and a cooperative divorce is the best way to achieve this goal. If we do need to file a motion with the court, we will and can continue working with you.
Collaborative divorces do not offer this same level of flexibility, but both types of divorce are meant to be in the best interest of the couple.
Divorce is hard enough; you shouldn’t have to switch attorneys in the middle of the process.
Hiring a Seattle Family Law Attorney Near You
Your family deserves the best. At ZafiroLaw, we understand how complex family law issues can be. Our team can help you restore the peace with timely, dedicated service to help you through complex divorce, child support modification, harassment orders, prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements and much more.
Family law is intense, filled with emotion and challenging to navigate on your own.
We’re here to help ease the burden and be your advocate.
Call us or fill out the form below to schedule a consultation.
Shaping Your Tomorrow, Together
Contact A Seattle Family Law Attorney from ZafiroLaw
To learn more about how I can help your particular family law situation, please call us at 206-547-9906 or contact us today!
