How can I assist you through your divorce? After representing countless individuals through the divorce process, I am well aware that divorce is often a time of crisis. As your attorney, I will strike a balance between effective negotiation and vigorous representation to help you through this transition and establish a productive path forward. Family disputes and divorce affect people from all walks of life and each situation is unique. However, in most divorces at least some or all of the following issues must be resolved:
- Spousal Support (Alimony): Spousal support, traditionally called alimony, refers to transitional funds paid by one party to the other during and after the divorce is final. I will effectively negotiate the amount and duration of this support as a critical component of the divorce agreement. Factors that affect this agreement include: Duration of the marriage, current and past earnings of both parties, the expected time it will take the receiving party to become self-supporting and need and ability to pay. Read more…
- Child Support: Child support is the amount one party pays to the other during and after the divorce is final to support the needs of minor children. Although the basic calculation of support is done according to the Washington Child Support Schedule, the court has the ability to deviate from that schedule for a number of reasons Beyond basic living expenses required to support the children, additional major expenditures must be considered. Read more…
- Parenting Plans / Custody: Often the single most important issue in divorce negotiations is working out the arrangements by which children can maintain meaningful and significant contact with both parents after the adults start to reside in separate households. The Parenting Plan outlines nearly all agreements related to the children. I can effectively represent you to develop the most ideal Parenting Plan for your children including the residential plan (custody), decision-making processes, and other circumstances unique to your children. Read more…
- Asset and Property Distribution: Accurately determining all assets in a marriage and fairly distributing those assets is no easy task. I will ensure you develop a complete and accurate listing of assets and their values, even if this requires a determined effort to uncover forgotten or hidden items. We will then pursue a course of action to ensure you receive a fair allocation of those assets. Read more…
- Debt Distribution: Accurately determining all debts accrued in a marriage and fairly distributing those debts can be a challenging task. I can help you make sure all debts are accounted for and a fair distribution and separation of these debts is agreed upon.
- Tax considerations: Often there are tax implications as a result of a divorce. I can help you determine the best scenario for situations such as whether it is best to file taxes jointly or separately during the year of the divorce and who will claim the children as dependents for tax purposes.