Going through a divorce is arguably one of the most challenging endeavors one can face, but when it becomes necessary, you deserve a divorce lawyer in Camas who will stand by your side. With the right team behind you, separation can help open new doors to your future.
At Dellino Family Law, our team of dedicated attorneys is here to fight for you. With over 180 years of combined experience, we understand divorce law and the best strategies to help secure the best outcome for you and your family. As your Camas family lawyer, we are here to remind you that you don’t have to do this alone.
A Camas Divorce Lawyer Can Help Guide You Through The Divorce Process
Washington divorces involve strict filing and procedural requirements. Your lawyer can help you understand all of the details, from how to file for divorce to how to navigate divorce proceedings to how to conduct yourself once proceedings are complete. When navigating the legal process, your lawyer can help with:
- Preparing the petition and/or response
- Identifying issues that need immediate attention
- Gathering financial disclosures and other records
- Negotiations
- Settlements or mediation
- Representing you in court
- Finalizing divorce documents
Depending on your situation, your attorney can determine what will need to be done and how to handle everything from a legal perspective to set you up for success before, during, and after your case.
Shared Property Should Be Split Fairly
Property acquired or purchased during a marriage can be one of the biggest sources of contention in a divorce, especially if it holds significant sentimental or financial value. Having an attorney on your side can help you secure what is most important to you.
Assets such as a family home or other real estate, vehicles, valuable personal property, bank and investment accounts, and debts are common items that need to be split between each spouse during a divorce. How these items are split can vary based on your circumstances.
Washington State is not a 50/50 state, meaning that things are not split straight down the middle, but rather in a way that the courts deem just and equitable after considering all relevant factors (RCW 26.09.080). This means a judge will consider post-divorce financial stability, child custody, and other details when deciding who receives what.
Spousal Maintenance Must Be Considered During Divorce Proceedings
Spousal maintenance, commonly known as alimony, is common in many divorces. Separation can leave spouses in very different financial positions. If one spouse had spent years out of the workforce caring for the children, or if income levels varied greatly, one party could be left without the financial resources to be self-sufficient after separating.
Courts consider several factors when determining if someone is entitled to spousal maintenance. These can include financial resources, the time it may take to obtain education or training, and the standard of living before the divorce. They may also consider how long the marriage lasted, the health of both parties, and each person’s ability to meet their needs.
Spousal maintenance should not be confused with child support, as they are separate processes with different rules and regulations. Your Camas divorce attorney can help you understand details such as what you may owe or be owed, or how long spousal support lasts.
Mediation Is a Route That Many Families Opt to Take
Going to trial is not the only option when going through a divorce. Many couples choose to go through mediation to negotiate terms on their own before going to court. Mediation can often be a less stressful situation than a courtroom and allow each party to feel they are being treated fairly.
One complaint that many have is that when a judge makes a decision, it is often cut and dry. In mediation, many find that they are able to come up with more creative, customized agreements where both parties feel their priorities are being taken into account.
A mediator cannot sign off on a divorce decree; this must still be done by a judge. However, they can act as a neutral third party to help facilitate negotiations and reduce the risk of situations becoming hostile.
Divorces Can Go From Simple to Contested Quickly
While some divorces begin amicably, with both sides agreeing to most terms, they can quickly shift to a contested divorce with disagreements that can no longer be resolved amicably. Disputes may involve:
- Parenting arrangements
- Property division
- Hidden or disputed assets
- Spousal maintenance
- Child support
- Domestic violence or other safety concerns
When a settlement or mediation is no longer an option, your Dellino Family Law attorney is here to stand by your side, advocating on your behalf in front of a judge.
The Right Lawyer Can Help You Avoid Costly Mistakes
It is no secret that divorces can be expensive. Between legal fees, time missed from work to attend meetings and hearings, childcare, transportation, and more, expenses can add up quickly. That said, making the wrong decisions during a divorce can have effects long after the decree is signed.
A knowledgeable divorce attorney in Camas can help you fully understand financial terms before you agree to anything. It is not uncommon for people to overlook certain assets, misunderstand who is responsible for a debt, agree to an impractical parenting schedule, or fail to address important provisions in final documents.
Your lawyer will review the entire proposed resolution, ensure you fully understand what you are committing to, and suggest any changes that you may wish to include. Once a divorce is finalized, filing appeals can be challenging and expensive, so it is best to get it right the first time.
Dellino Family Law Is Here For You
Divorce is hard enough. You deserve an ally who will fight on your behalf, taking the legal tasks off your shoulders so you can focus on yourself and your family.
Contact a divorce lawyer in Camas at Dellino Family Law today to take the first step toward your new life.
