A contested divorce occurs when both spouses cannot reach an agreement on one or more marital issues. Many of our clients come to us feeling as if an uncontested divorce will be impossible. Some of our clients understand that issues in their case will be highly contested, particularly when the parties have children, different parenting styles, high net worth, or considerable assets.
Take the first step in preparing for a contested divorce by setting up a consultation with one of our Seattle Divorce Attorneys. During the initial consultation, you can establish a plan and take the first steps towards preparing to file for the divorce or respond to a divorce if your spouse has already filed the petition.
Seattle Contested Divorce Lawyers in Washington
At Law Offices of Shana E. Thompson, we are selective in the cases we take and limit our caseload so that we can give the proper amount of attention to each client. Our attorneys are focused on helping our clients at each stage of the case so that everything goes as smoothly as possible.
We understand that a divorce is a major transition in your life. But if it is done correctly, it can help you and your family find a brighter future, more happiness, and more financial success.
Our Seattle contested divorce lawyers are here to help you with your contested divorce case. We provide flexible payment plans which can help you find the most effective way to resolve your case and save your family money on legal fees overall.
We have an immense amount of experience handling complicated and complex divorce cases. Our attorneys know when to be aggressive and uncompromising and when to take a creative approach to solve problems that help both sides. We have the experience you need to fight for justice in your case as you protect your assets.
Call (206) 712-2756 to set up the initial consultation.
Types of Contested Divorce in Washington
Our experienced Seattle contested divorce lawyers have handled a variety of highly contested divorce cases. We can help you settle the following types of contested issues that might arise including:
- the equitable division of community property;
- protecting property that should be classified as pre-marital or separate property; and
- the enforcement of temporary issues while the divorce is pending.
How Long Does a Contested Divorce Take in Washington?
There is not a specific set of time. Truthfully, the answer is, it depends. Under Texas law, an uncontested divorce is not final for at least 60 days after the petition has been filed. A contested divorce, in which the parties do not agree as to how the issues in their case should be handled, take much longer than uncontested divorces.
The length of time during a contested divorce depends on issues including how spouses will divide their property and child support. Additionally, the couple must obtain certain types of evidence, which may take a long period of time. Settlement negotiations on issues such as child visitation and division of property may take many months. If the parties don’t agree on a settlement, they must go to trial.
Our attorneys are experienced handling every stage of a contested divorce case including:
- the pre-filing preparations before the petition for dissolution is served on the other spouse;
- during any temporary hearing to decide the issues that will be pending before the final resolution;
- during the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) phases of the case during mediation or arbitration; or
- during a final hearing or trial when the court is asked to resolve any unresolved issues.
Contested Divorce Issues in Washington
While it’s easy for most spouses to end on good terms after a divorce, quite frankly, that’s not the case for every couple. There are several issues that arise during the termination of a marriage. These issues include fair division of assets and child support amongst many others.
- Fair division of assets: There is a lot of disagreement that arises over key areas such as fair division of assets. in a divorce, there may be questions about whether an inheritance or a certain property has become a marital asset. Our contested divorce attorneys help both parties understand details regarding the division.
- Child Support and Visitation: When a marriage is in the process of being terminated, child custody and visitation issues are the most difficult for parents and children to cope with, especially if one parent is seeking sole legal custody of the children. The court may grant one party the ultimate responsibility for specific aspects of a child’s welfare. This may include housing, medical care, dental care, or education.
Contested Divorce Additional Resources
Seattle Seperation and Divorce Support – Visit the Seattle Seperation and Divorce Support webpage for help regarding a divorce. Learn more about the organization’s group meetings and view several divorce resources.
Nationwide Children’s Hospital – Visit the Nationwide Children’s Hospital webpage to view divorce guidelines for parents. Nationwide Children’s Hospital is a destination academic pediatric medical center designed to manage the most complex of diseases. Read about how to prepare for a divorce, coping with a divorce, how children react, and more.
King County Contested Divorce Attorneys in WA
The first step is calling the firm to set a consultation. During the consultation, we can talk about the case and what you need to be doing right now to make the transition go as smoothly as possible.
We can help you during each stage of the contested divorce case in King County, WA, from taking action before the lawsuit is filed, or filing the petition for dissolution, to trial, if required, our attorneys are there to help.
We can help you during each stage of the contested divorce case in King County, WA, from taking action before the lawsuit is filed, filing the petition for dissolution, resolving any temporary issues while the case is pending, and resolving the issues on a permanent basis during mediation or at trial. Call (206) 712-2756 to schedule an initial consultation.
