Washington is a no-fault divorce state that only requires couples to state that the marriage is beyond repair. When you and your spouse find yourselves in this position, a divorce lawyer in Hazel Dell can walk you through what to do next and prepare you for what to expect. Hiring a lawyer can provide legal counsel, as well as support to lean on during a stressful and uncertain time.
Dellino Family Law brings more than 180 years of combined experience to your case. Our attorneys are well-versed in Washington’s divorce laws, and we have the ability to tailor our strategies to adapt to the needs of your case.
When a Hazel Dell family lawyer represents you, they work closely with you to understand your goals and create a plan to help you secure a favorable divorce settlement.
How to Prepare for a Divorce in Hazel Dell
If you are considering filing for divorce, you should talk to a divorce attorney in Hazel Dell about how to prepare for this change before you ever initiate the legal process. A divorce fully dissolves the union between you and your spouse, so it is important to be sure about your decision first. If you are on the fence, talk to a lawyer about whether you should choose legal separation or divorce in Washington state.
It is also important to seek counsel on how to prepare financially and how to avoid financial blunders during a divorce. A lawyer can walk you through what not to do with your finances so you do not end up in legal trouble later. Additionally, keeping thorough and organized records can help ensure you have the documentation you need for a divorce. Other forms of evidence should also be gathered as applicable.
Another way to prepare for a divorce is to ensure that you have a strong support system around you. A divorce can be difficult and emotionally exhausting, and having someone you can lean on can be invaluable. The law firm you hire can also provide resources to help you further prepare for divorce proceedings and your upcoming transition.
Understanding How Washington’s Marital Property Laws Work and How They Affect Asset Division
Washington is a community property state, which means that assets that a couple acquires during their marriage are considered marital property (RCW 26.16.030). During a Hazel Dell divorce, spouses are required to divide their property in a “just and equitable” manner, per RCW 26.09.080. Separate property (RCW 26.16.010) may be exempt as long as it has not been mixed with marital assets.
As couples work together to determine how they will share their joint assets, they must keep in mind that Washington emphasizes fairness over an exact 50/50 split. This is an important distinction because it takes each spouse’s circumstances into account to ensure that neither spouse is at a disadvantage once the divorce is final.
Dellino Family Law walks you through what factors you should consider when dividing assets and determining what you may need. We communicate your goals and advocate for you during hearings and other applicable legal proceedings to improve your chance of securing the assets you seek. Our team also works diligently to facilitate productive negotiations and get ahead of or de-escalate conflict.
Spousal Maintenance Requests During Hazel Dell Divorces
If you are concerned about being able to support yourself after your marital property has been divided and your divorce is complete, Dellino Family Law can explain what spousal maintenance is and if you are eligible to request it as part of your divorce. Spousal maintenance is not compulsory like child support is, so it is important to know how to approach and prepare for such a request.
Spousal support requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. Courts determine if a spouse has a true financial need and if the other spouse has the means to pay. For example, a divorce may cause hardship for a spouse if they have been out of the workforce for a period of time and need to upskill to find a job and support themselves. In this scenario, spousal support can help offset the economic challenges.
Judges factor in situations like this, as well as the length of the marriage and the couple’s age, health, lifestyle, and contribution to the marriage. They also evaluate how long spousal maintenance may be needed based on these factors. Since a judge has latitude in these decisions, it is important to gather and provide as much evidence as possible to support your case.
Talk to a Hazel Dell Divorce Attorney About What Tax Implications Your Divorce May Have
A divorce can have some tax implications that couples should be aware of so they can take the necessary steps to meet their obligations and ease their tax burden. For example, when couples divide their property, assets like retirement accounts and selling real estate could trigger taxes for early withdrawals or capital gains. Factoring this in when deciding how to split assets can help lower taxes.
Couples who have high assets or net worth may face more tax repercussions during a divorce, especially if they have custom benefits like those provided to tech industry workers. It is especially important in these divorces to work closely with a lawyer and an accountant to ensure that you understand what can and cannot be taxed.
Spousal maintenance and child support payments do not have tax implications for either spouse, as they are neither taxed as additional income nor deducted for those who make payments. However, divorced couples who are parents must determine who can claim the child tax credit on their yearly taxes.
Dellino Family Law Guides You Through Each Step of Your Divorce
Dellino Family Law provides step-by-step guidance to help you through your divorce and ensure that you receive your fair share of the divorce settlement. Our firm provides representation you can trust and empowers you along the way.
With a Hazel Dell divorce lawyer by your side, you have an advocate who ensures you do not have to navigate the process alone. Contact us today for a case review.
