What is family court? Family court is a specialized part of the court system that focuses on family law matters, such as divorce, parenting plans, spousal support, and more.
At Dellino Family Law, our Seattle family lawyer is here to help support and advocate for you in all of your family law needs.
Family Matters Can Be Highly Contentious and Emotional
Due to the unique needs of individual families and the emotional toll, impartial parties like mediators and judges can help settle important matters. Family law includes many types of cases that may require court involvement. Family court may include the following matters:
- Divorce
- Spousal support
- Child custody
- Child support
- Guardianship
- Committed Intimate Relationships
Our team at Dellino Family Law has experience navigating even the most challenging family law cases. Whether you need a Seattle divorce lawyer or a Seattle parenting plans lawyer, we are here to support you and to fight to protect your family.
Divorce is Handled in Family Court
Often, when people think of what family court is, they think about divorce. This is a common reason people go to family court. During divorce proceedings, couples decide, or it is decided by a judge, how property and debts will be divided, if spousal support will be awarded, what parenting plans look like, and if any restraining or protection provisions are necessary.
Divorces, legally referred to as dissolution of marriage in Washington, can be complex. Not only are there many legal steps that must be taken, but emotions and resentment can make coming to an agreeable decision a challenge. Couples have the opportunity to make decisions together to avoid court. Still, if that isn’t possible, a judge can step in and make legally binding decisions on their behalf.
Having a dedicated divorce attorney with Dellino Family Law can help provide the support and necessary legal guidance you need to move through this process smoothly and with as little friction as possible. While divorce is never easy, it does not need to be a challenge from a legal perspective.
Some Separations May Involve Spousal Support
In many marriages, one spouse often has a higher income or more assets than the other. In these scenarios, a judge may order that spousal support/maintenance, often known as alimony, be paid to one party. This is another scenario to consider when looking at what family court is and does.
The amount of spousal support, and the length of time it must be paid for, can vary significantly depending on the circumstances of your case. The judge will look at factors such as the length of the marriage, income levels, employability, health, and current lifestyle when deciding if and how much spousal support either party will receive.
Our team at Dellino Family Law is well-versed in spousal support laws in Washington. We are here to fight on your behalf, ensuring that if you are owed spousal support, you receive what is fair, and if you owe, you are not paying more than you should be.
Parenting Plans or Custody Disputes Can Bring Parents to Family Court
Family court plays a crucial role in helping families determine arrangements for their children when parents cannot agree. This is another one of the most common scenarios families think about when understanding what family court is. Family court may address matters such as:
- Where your child will live
- How time will be divided
- Who is the primary decision-maker for educational, medical, and other important decisions
- Holiday and vacation schedules
- How parents will resolve disagreements should they arise in the future
- Whether restrictions must be placed on a parent’s time or decision-making authority
Our team at Dellino Family Law can help you navigate these situations, advocating for your parental rights and helping to secure the best outcome for your family.
Family Court Can Establish or Modify Child Support
Another major part of what family court is and does is helping establish and enforce child support orders (RCW 26.09.100). This is often one of the most contested areas couples face after a separation, and Dellino Family Law is here to support you through the process.
The purpose of child support is to ensure that children have a consistent lifestyle, regardless of how time is split or how their parents’ income levels may vary. If, while at one parent’s home, a child lives a lavish lifestyle with expensive vacations and other luxury experiences, but at the other there is a struggle to put food on the table, it can create concern and confusion for children.
Courts may also become involved if circumstances change. This could be a change in the parenting plan, finances, or other support needs for the child. A judge can review the current orders and take into account new circumstances to rule on whether and how support orders may change.
Guardianship Cases Are Handled in Family Court
There are sometimes scenarios in which someone other than a child’s parent has legal authority to care for a child. This often occurs when parents are unable or unwilling to perform their parenting duties. These situations can be temporary or permanent depending on the scenario.
A guardian is often allowed to make certain educational and healthcare decisions, provide consent where parents would typically be required, and provide day-to-day care and supervision to ensure the child’s safety and well-being. The courts may choose to add or limit provisions based on the situation.
Guardianship cases may also involve adults who lack the cognitive ability to care for themselves. They would often have the same decision-making authority as when caring for a minor, but a judge ultimately determines which rights they will hold. Our team of experienced attorneys at Dellino Family Law can help you understand the guardianship process and your rights as a legal guardian.
The Right Lawyer Can Help You Navigate Family Court With Ease
Having the right attorney is essential when going through family court. Whether you are going through a separation, are fighting for the child support your child deserves, or have a loved one who needs guardianship, Dellino Family Law is here to advocate for you. Contact us today to see how we can help.
