Seattle Divorce Lawyers

The Divorce Process

When it comes to divorce, there is a very complex process depending upon the circumstances of the marriage.  A longer length of marriage, children, property, businesses, and other types of assets will make the process of divorce considerably more complicated.  At our Seattle Law Offices, our divorce attorneys are very familiar with the divorce process and the issues that may complicate it.  They have worked with many clients over the years and have the experience necessary to smoothly and effectively guide you through the process of divorce. 

There are many steps to divorces occurring in Washington, although the complexity of each step will depend largely on your specific circumstances.  The divorce process usually follows a pattern that goes something like this:

• Meeting with your divorce attorney:  During this initial meeting, you will speak with a lawyer who will gather all information and documents pertaining to marital assets, children, and any other issues you feel may be pertinent.  Your divorce attorney will then determine what you are entitled to and will file a divorce petition with the court. 
• Serving your spouse the divorce petition:  Once the divorce petition has been filed with court, your attorney will then serve the petition to your spouse.  This can be done by mail, by sheriff, or in person.
• You spouse responds to the petition:  Your spouse will have 30 days to respond after receiving the petition or else they will be found in default in which case you will have to obtain a default judgment of divorce.  If they do respond, your case will then move on to the discovery and settlements stages. 
• Discovery:  During this stage in the divorce process, spouses will obtain information from each other regarding marital assets, income, child custody and any other relevant issues.  Document requests and depositions may be used to obtain this information.
• Settlement:   During this time the spouses will try to come to agreements about marital issues through mediation and through open discussions with one another, as in uncontested divorce.                                                                   In a contested divorce, settlement cannot be reached during this phase and will have to proceed to divorce court.
• Trial:  At a divorce trial, both spouses will be able to present witnesses and arguments to prove their points to the judge who will hear both sides to come to a decision about all the issues in the divorce, including child custody, child support, property division and spousal support.

Contact a Seattle Divorce Lawyer today to discuss the divorce process and find out how it will apply to your specific case!