DIVORCE & SEPARATION

Divorce is a new beginning

Just as no two families are alike, the dissolution of a marriage or a long-term relationship is equally unique. Divorce can also be a time of healing, restructuring, and tremendous personal growth. Our experienced family law attorneys can help you explore your options and build a custom strategy designed to meet your family’s goals.

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THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Considering
a divorce?

How you move through the divorce process will have a long-term effect on the outcome. Whether you elect to move through a court or out of court option, we are here to guide you through every step. We work as a team to focus on what is most important.

Our webinar, “What to Think About When Considering Divorce,” could be a helpful resource. Please register to watch.

I have been in your shoes, and I know that divorce can be scary sh*t. It is okay not to be okay. Divorce is an ending and a beginning — the beginning of a new chapter filled with second chances to live your best life.

ELISE BUIE, FOUNDER

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

How Divorce Works in Washington State

Washington is a no-fault state, meaning either spouse can obtain a divorce if the marriage is “irretrievably broken,” with or without agreement from the other party.

Washington is a community property state. The court first decides if property is considered separate or community. Property acquired during the marriage, with a few exceptions, is presumed community property. The court then divides both separate and community property based upon what is "fair and equitable."

The dissolution process begins in a court by filing a summons, Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, and accompanying documents. Your attorney will make sure everything is filed and provide you with the case number issued by the court. The timing of when the petition is filed can vary greatly depending upon the process for divorce you select.

Before a dissolution is granted, Washington has a 90-day waiting period that begins once the court is notified that the other party (respondent) has been properly served.

Transparency is critical to educated decision-making. Some individuals elect to have a formal exchange of information during the stage in the divorce process known as discovery. Each party will gain access to the other's financial documents, parenting arrangements, and any other information relevant to the divorce. Our team will then use the information uncovered during this phase to create an equitable proposal. The exchange may also be informal.

You may need guidance on how to proceed in your divorce before a final agreement is reached or decided by a court. These are called temporary orders and are usually related to your assets or your children. Parties may work together, with an attorney, or through a court to reach an accord on a temporary arrangement.

You Might Not Need a Court

Court is not always the best way to get a divorce. You have many options to help you reach an agreement, from working it out over a cup of coffee to a formal collaborative process. The best outcome for your family may be one reached through more amicable means. The judge does not have to be the ultimate decision-maker over your life. The court system is adversarial. Both parties seek to “win” the judge’s favor and deem the other person the “loser.”

Rather than engaging in a competition, you may prefer to seek solutions that maximize options benefiting everyone involved. That is a win-win-win. Our team of divorce attorneys can design a plan and bring all of the parties together to make alternatives to litigation effective and efficient for you.

IF YOU NEED COURT

Litigation

There are times when divorcing couples cannot agree on their divorce, custody, or other issues. There are situations when working together may not be practical. Sometimes it is clear the structure of the courtroom process is needed. The team at Elise Buie Family Law will work with you to understand your objectives while minimizing conflict.

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU

After Divorce

Well after your divorce is finalized, your family circumstances could change. You may find yourself needing to revisit spousal support, parenting plans, or creating a new relationship agreement with the help of one of our skilled family law attorneys.

HOW TO FORMALIZE

Separation

If you and your spouse have decided to no longer live together, you may be wondering what the next step is to address your marital issues and formalize your separation. There can be several reasons why you might choose this path rather than divorce ranging from religion to the desire to keep health insurance. Please connect with our team to discuss if this option is right for you.