At ZafiroLaw, we know that divorce is never easy. You’re entering a major life transition. You may be leaving your marital home, splitting assets and even discussing child custody with someone you thought you were going to spend your life with. You need a King County divorce attorney who offers you:
- Compassionate service through one of the most difficult periods of your life
- Unwavering client attention with the level of dedication few law firms offer
- Respect and integrity so that you can rely on our honest legal counsel
King County divorces topped 4,680 in 2022, the highest number in Washington state for that year. Each one of these divorces was filled with emotions and trying times for couples.
Our firm works to protect your rights by offering services that fit into every circumstance:
- Child Custody: We have years of experience helping parents navigate complex child custody issues. The law requires that the agreement be in the best interests of the child. Ideally, you’ll share custody of your child with your former spouse and the specific arrangements will be detailed in your parenting plan. We can also assist with restrictions and hybrid custody arrangements.
- Child Support: Parents have a responsibility to support the financial needs of their children. Non-custodial parents may be required to pay child support. We can help you negotiate a support agreement that is fair and adequately provides for the child.
- Contested Divorce: If you cannot agree on certain terms of your divorce, such as division of assets or child custody, the divorce is “contested.” The court will help decide on unresolved matters, but we can help avoid this lengthy process. We’ll help you negotiate with your ex and navigate the courts if necessary.
- Mediation: Couples who want to move closer to divorce finalization can use mediation to avoid judicial intervention and resolve important disagreements along the way.
- Uncontested Divorces: Even in an uncontested divorce, where you have agreed to all terms with your ex, we can help. Our team can provide customized legal services, help you save money and avoid additional conflicts in the future.
Since 2006, we’ve been helping people across King County navigate uncontested and contested divorce proceedings. We can help you through mediation, child support and child custody agreements, too.
Click here to contact us and learn how we can help ease your divorce proceedings.
How Do You Know When It Is Time to File for Divorce?
Making the decision to file for divorce is a personal one. If you feel there is still hope for your marriage, then now may not be the time to initiate divorce proceedings.
However, if the relationship has broken down, divorce may be the next practical step, especially if:
- You or your children no longer feel safe in your home and in your marital relationship
- You no longer trust or respect your spouse for several reasons, including financial
- Nothing has changed in your relationship despite your best efforts
Often, there is no event or obvious sign that it’s time for divorce. It’s a feeling, a knowing in your gut that it’s time to take the next step. No one can make this decision for you, so make certain that this is the path you wish to take.
If you feel that it is time to file for divorce, contact a King County divorce attorney. An attorney will help you understand the road ahead and advocate on your behalf to protect your interests.
What To Do If You Are Served with Divorce Papers
Even when they are expected, being served with divorce papers can leave you feeling anxious and unsure of which steps to take next.
If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to hire an experienced divorce attorney. An attorney can walk you through the next steps and answer your questions.
When you are served with divorce papers, you receive two important documents:
- The summons, which is the legal document that informs you of the legal action against you (in this case, the divorce). It also provides information specific to your case, such as your case number and your deadline to respond to the summons.
- The Petition for Divorce, which will include information about your marriage and the relief your spouse is seeking. This relief can include demands for spousal maintenance or certain assets.
If you are served these papers, it’s in your best interest not to refuse service. Refusing service can only hurt your case. The petition will likely proceed anyway, and your actions may result in a default judgment against you.
Once you have been served, you usually only have 20 days to respond to the summons and petition. The clock starts ticking down from the moment you receive the paperwork.
It’s important to prepare your legal response carefully. You will need to address each demand in the petition and indicate whether you accept or deny them. You may also request more information before making your decision. Additionally, you will need to provide a brief statement explaining the reasons for each demand you deny and specify any counter-demands you wish to make.
An attorney can guide you through the process of preparing your legal response and ensure you meet the specified deadline.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Divorce?
In Washington State, there is a mandatory 90-day waiting period for divorces. Technically, the quickest a divorce can be finalized is 91 days after the other party is served.
However, divorce rarely goes that smoothly. Most couples can expect the process to take anywhere from 6-11 months or more. The more contentious the divorce, the longer it will take.
Working with an experienced King County divorce attorney may speed up the process. Your attorney can help you understand the process and can present options, such as mediation, that may make proceedings faster, easier and less stressful.
Hiring a King County Divorce Attorney Near You to Settle Your Divorce
At ZafiroLaw, we understand that making the decision to divorce is never easy. Regardless of the circumstances that led to the breakdown of your relationship, the process is still an emotional and complicated one.
A King County divorce attorney can help you find a way forward, understand your rights and ease the burden of having to navigate these proceedings.
Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation with a compassionate divorce attorney.
