Divorce is often a difficult and emotional process, but an experienced divorce lawyer in Marysville can ease the stress and help you navigate the various legal requirements. They know that every case is as unique as the couple involved, and your lawyer provides customized approaches and strategies to optimize the outcome of your divorce settlement.
At Dellino Family Law, we are committed to excellence and work diligently to protect your rights, interests, and assets. A Marysville family lawyer consistently communicates for you and with you so you and your spouse can reach a satisfactory agreement as swiftly as possible. With over 180 years of combined experience, we are equipped to handle your case, regardless of its complexity.
How Dellino Family Law Can Help You Throughout Your Marysville Divorce
Dellino Family Law provides the support you need when you and your spouse are in the process of separating your lives and assets. Whether you have chosen to pursue a collaborative divorce or are navigating a high-conflict one, our attorneys stand by you and work diligently to protect your rights and interests. We understand the stress a divorce can cause, and we empower you and your future.
Our team helps you navigate the various legal requirements in your divorce so you can be confident the outcome is fair and does not leave you at a disadvantage. Our team advocates for your interests and protects your rights throughout your divorce. This also includes helping you avoid some of the most common divorce mistakes in your case.
Divorce proceedings can easily escalate, and our firm is skilled at helping defuse conflict to keep it from getting out of hand. We have handled a myriad of situations, so we are equipped to help you resolve your conflict. This may include tailored negotiation tactics or recommendations for alternative dispute resolution methods. We are also ready to litigate your divorce if necessary.
What to Expect From Divorce Proceedings in Marysville
Initiating a divorce begins when one spouse files a petition with the court and serves the other spouse with papers. Some couples may even choose to file jointly. However, before responding or filing for divorce in Washington state, you should consult a divorce attorney in Marysville. They can ensure you meet residency requirements and help you determine your requests and submit the correct paperwork.
When filing for divorce, you are not required to show that your spouse was at fault for the divorce, only that the marriage is irretrievably broken. Once the divorce has been initiated, you and your spouse must wait 90 days before you are legally allowed to finalize your divorce. During this time, you may work on dividing assets, filing for alimony (if needed), and making custody arrangements (if applicable).
Completing these steps may take longer than the mandatory waiting period. If you require additional time, then your divorce may be finalized after you and your spouse have reached a satisfactory agreement and a judge has reviewed and approved your terms. The complexity of your assets, conflict, and other factors can impact the length of time it takes to complete your divorce proceedings.
Talk to a Marysville Divorce Lawyer About How to Divide Your Assets
During a divorce, you and your spouse must determine how to divide assets. Washington distinguishes between community property (RCW 26.16.030) and separate property (RCW 26.16.010). This means property acquired while you were married must be shared in a divorce. Property that was yours prior to your marriage or gifted solely to you may be kept separate as long as it has not been commingled.
For assets subject to division, Washington focuses on equitable distribution. This means that each spouse’s circumstances are considered when splitting assets so distribution is fair. Additionally, depending on the length of the marriage, Marysville courts help spouses move forward in the condition they were in before the marriage or on equal footing.
With so many variables and the potential for conflict, working closely with a lawyer is important so you can protect your share of your marital property. They can also investigate on your behalf if you suspect your spouse has hidden assets. Additionally, if you and your spouse have a valid prenuptial agreement, proceedings may be streamlined since decisions may already have been made regarding various assets.
Divorce Proceedings May Also Include Requests for Spousal Support
Spousal support requests, also known as alimony, can also be made during divorce proceedings. Whether you are petitioning the court for support, or your spouse is requesting payments from you, this process requires careful oversight and legal support. Unlike child support in custody cases, spousal support is not guaranteed, and courts carefully review these requests.
The purpose of spousal support is to offset financial hardship caused by a divorce. Spouses who earn less or stay at home, for example, may not be in a financially autonomous position after assets are divided. Additionally, education or better employment may be needed before a spouse can support themselves. Health, age, lifestyle, and the length of a marriage can also impact a couple’s situation.
Courts review all of these factors, along with the other spouse’s ability to pay, when deciding whether to grant spousal support. If granted, spousal support may be awarded for a limited or extended period. The value of spousal support is determined by assessing the financial need of the one spouse and how much the other spouse may be able to pay.
Contact the Trusted Divorce Lawyers at Dellino Family Law
Dellino Family Law cares about you and your future, and we fight tirelessly to ensure that you are treated fairly and have what you need to start this next chapter of your life.
We provide quality legal representation and supportive resources to ease your stress. A Marysville divorce attorney is ready to talk with you when you contact our office to schedule a consultation with our team.
