As your compassionate Snohomish County divorce attorney, we know that divorce is not what you had planned when you said, “I do.” Couples face disagreements or drift apart, and when there’s no hope of reconciliation, dissolution of marriage (divorce) may be your only option.
Since 2006, we’ve helped divorcing parties navigate the legal system and make the best decisions possible for:
- Division of assets and debts
- Child support
- Child custody
- Spousal maintenance (alimony)
- Payment of legal fees and costs
Washington is a no-fault state, and you only need one party to believe that the marriage is irreconcilable to get a divorce.
You may be ready to divorce, but that doesn’t mean your spouse is. Contention can cause the proceedings to be longer and more taxing than necessary. Disagreements on the division of assets and debts or a parenting plan can cause a hotly contested divorce, which may need to go to the courts to be finalized.
We’re here to help you through the divorce proceedings and come to an agreement on key issues.
Call or contact us online to discuss your divorce with an attorney.
How Much Could a Divorce Cost in Snohomish County?
Divorce may be contested or uncontested, which will result in longer proceedings and higher overall costs. If you agree on most – or all – terms of the divorce, then your costs will likely be lower.
Costs will depend on:
- The complexity of your divorce
- Length of time to agree to terms
- Whether you need to go to court instead of settling issues through private negotiations or mediation
If you opt not to have a lawyer, you may end up agreeing to unfavorable terms that are not in your best interests. Costs of divorcing without a Snohomish County divorce attorney can be even higher in the end.
You may end up with fewer valuable assets than you deserve because you don’t know your rights or divorce laws.
We offer many services that can help during these difficult times:
Child Custody and Child Support
Divorces involving children will include a parenting plan, child support or maybe even the appointment of a guardian ad litem (GAL) or parenting evaluator. We’ll help you get the custody agreement that is in the best interest of the child.
Contested Divorce
If a divorce is contested, you have a disagreement with your ex that must be resolved before the divorce can be finalized. Couples who do not come to an agreement will go to trial and have the judge decide on the final terms.
We can help you come to an agreement with your spouse so that you have a say in your final divorce agreement.
Mediation
Before working with a divorce mediator, it’s beneficial to hire a divorce mediation attorney. Your attorney can provide legal advice, explain the rules you need to follow and understand potential agreements.
Uncontested Divorce
An uncontested divorce is what couples want to achieve. Your divorce will go much quicker, but you still need to follow precise procedures and file the right paperwork to avoid potential delays.
We provide legal advice that can help you work through the proceedings as quickly as possible.
What To Do If You Are Served with Divorce Papers
Being served divorce papers can be a shock, even if you and your spouse had been discussing the possibility of going your separate ways.
When you are served, you will be given a copy of the court summons and the petition filed by your spouse. These documents contain important information about:
- How much time you have to file a response
- The action against you (i.e., divorce)
- The relief your spouse is seeking, including demands for alimony or property
- Your case number and the names of the parties involved
In Washington, the party who is served with divorce papers usually only has 20 days to file their response. The clock will start ticking the day you are served.
After you are served with divorce papers, your next step should be to call an experienced Snohomish County divorce attorney.
You have a short window of time to respond, and failing to file your response on time can have negative consequences.
Your spouse may submit a motion for default, which may grant them all the relief they seek in the petition. You may lose rights to property, assets and more.
A judge may grant all of your spouse’s requested relief without any of your input if you do not file your response in time.
Preparing your legal response is crucial, and an attorney can assist with its drafting and submission. For each of your spouse’s demands, you will need to provide a response – to accept or deny.
For each demand that you contest, you will need to provide a reason why in a brief supporting statement.
Your attorney can answer any questions you may have about the form and help ensure that you meet the deadline.
Why Is It Important to Hire a Divorce Attorney Rather Than Navigate Divorce Alone?
Divorce is a life-changing decision, and it can have far-reaching, long-lasting effects on your life. Now is not the time to take a DIY approach.
Even when a divorce is amicable, there may still be disagreements or issues that must be resolved.
Hiring a Snohomish County divorce attorney will make the entire process less stressful and ensure that agreements are made in everyone’s best interests.
An attorney will:
- Be at your side from start to finish. Divorce can be an emotional and stressful time. It’s important to have someone in your corner and advocating for you. That’s where your divorce attorney comes in to offer support and advice when making crucial decisions.
- Explain the law in a way that’s easy to understand. Their intimate knowledge of divorce law will help ensure a favorable outcome.
- Handle communication with your spouse on your behalf and act as your negotiator. Your attorney is a third party who can help you stay grounded and help you make rational decisions during this emotional time.
- Protect your rights and ensure things are fair. You may have rights relating to alimony, child support or certain property. Your attorney will fight to protect them.
Your attorney will also ensure that all of your paperwork is filled out and filed properly, which can streamline the process.
Divorce law is likely not your area of expertise. You may not fully understand your rights or the laws that will impact your case. Navigating your divorce alone can put you at a disadvantage, and you may wind up with an agreement that isn’t in your best interest.
Don’t risk your future. Hire an experienced divorce attorney who will guide you through each step.
Hiring a Snohomish County Divorce Attorney Near You
Even when uncontested, divorce can be complex and stressful. The attorneys at ZafiroLaw are here to help.
We’ll explain the process, serve as your advocate and provide the support and guidance you need during this challenging time in your life.
Contact us to schedule a consultation with a Snohomish County divorce attorney today.
