how can i find a divorce attorney licensed in both wa & or

by Dr. Vivian Kertzmann 8 min read

Who can practice divorce in Washington State?

While there is no “best” way to find a divorce attorney, you can try several avenues. Online rating services like Yelp cover divorce attorneys, meaning you can read reviews from people who have actually employed an attorney's services and make an informed decision this way. Another way is through word of mouth.

Where can I find divorce records in Washington State?

To find the website, perform a web search for “Divorce in Snohomish County”. Official Washington State Legal Templates. Washington’s official divorce and family law forms are available online at http://www.courts.wa.gov/forms/. WashingtonLawHelp.Org. Free divorce and family law packets are available online at http://www.washingtonlawhelp.org/issues/family-law.

Where can I find family law forms in Washington State?

Licensed for 42 years. Attorney Julie A. Twyford has been practicing law for nearly 40 years and has handled numerous jury and non-jury trials throughout her career. She is currently a board member of the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and is also th... Call. (509) 428-2371 Message Website.

How do I get a legal separation in Washington State?

Divorce records are a more detailed document than both a divorce certificate and a divorce decree. The parties who were involved in the divorce may use these records to challenge any of the agreements listed within them, so it is often suggested that they keep them for personal record to use when filing for a change. ... but only the two ...

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Can an attorney act for both parties in a divorce?

An attorney is not allowed suddenly to act against a client who he used to represent in the same divorce. This would be a clear “conflict of interest”. An attorney can get into serious trouble with the law society if he is found guilty of this.

What is the average cost of divorce in Washington State?

approximately $13,400The average cost of divorce in Washington state is approximately $13,400. However, if the couple has children, the expenses can reach $20, 000. The costs also depend on such factors as level of conflict, need for property division, alimony requests, lawyer's or mediator's fees, etc.

How do I get a free divorce in Washington State?

Washington's official divorce and family law forms are available online at http://www.courts.wa.gov/forms/. WashingtonLawHelp.Org. Free divorce and family law packets are available online at http://www.washingtonlawhelp.org/issues/family-law.

What is a wife entitled to in a divorce in Washington State?

You get a decree, a division of all the parties' property, a parenting plan, a child support order, and potentially spousal maintenance (alimony).

How much is a divorce if both parties agree?

If both parties agree on all major issues, known as an uncontested divorce, you can keep the costs relatively low. If you do your own divorce papers and your divorce is amicable, costs could be under $500. Of course, there are filing fees in all states, which increase the cost.

How many years do you have to be married to get alimony in Washington?

Alimony in Medium-Term Marriages (5–25 years) As a general rule of thumb, courts in Washington State award one year of alimony for every three or four years of marriage. There is no statute or case law explicitly stating this formula, but it is an oft mentioned rule and generally what courts can be expected to do.

Can you get a divorce without going to court?

It is possible to get divorced without going to court, as long as your partner agrees to the divorce and the reasons why. However, it is still possible that you will need to go to court to decide what happens to money, property and children.Apr 26, 2018

How much does an uncontested divorce cost in Washington state?

Most uncontested divorces filed in Washington State cost between $500 and $700. You will also need to pay an additional court filing fee of around $300. This also doesn't take into account the cost of attorney or mediation fees if required.Sep 18, 2020

What documents do I need to file for divorce in Washington State?

Forms you will need in this packet:Petition for Divorce - FL Divorce 201.Summons - FL Divorce 200.Confidential Information - Form FL All Family 001.Notice re Military Dependent - FL All Family 103.Proof of Personal Service - FL All Family 101.

Does it matter who files for divorce first in Washington State?

If you are expecting a relatively simple and low-conflict divorce, it probably does not matter whether you or your spouse initially file for divorce. However, if you believe that your divorce may involve a contentious court case or custody battle, it could be slightly advantageous to file for divorce.

Is Washington State a 50/50 divorce state?

Washington is a 50/50 divorce state. This means that almost all property, assets, and debts acquired during a marriage are subject to division in a divorce—regardless of who secured them.Jun 1, 2021

Who gets the house in a divorce in Washington State?

One Party's Separate Property. Courts usually award each spouse his or her separate property and divide community property 50/50. Consequently, if the house is entirely one spouse's separate property, he or she almost always receives it unless the parties agree otherwise.

How long has Kelly Leblanc been practicing law?

Kelly LeBlanc has been practicing law for over 33 years (21 in Washington). She has been admitted to practice in 5 jurisdictions and appeared on behalf of litigants at the state and federal level. She served as an... Read More »

What is Vicki's experience?

Vicki is highly regarded for her experience in both the legal and business communities, and for her ability to achieve favorable results for her clients. Vicki represents clients in all family law matters, with a focus on complex divorce cases that involve high value property, business, and financial distributions.

Who is Mark Arend?

Over the course of his career, Mark A rend has filled the shoes of a businessman, a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, and an attorney. Using his diverse vocational background, he helps clients facing high-tension, complex, and adversarial family law matters. Some of his practice areas include child custody, domestic violence, child support, relocation, high net worth divorce, and military family law.

Best Low-Cost Resources for WA Divorces (for Free Resources, See Further Down)

Limited-License Legal Technicians. Limited-license legal technicians (LLLTs) hold a new category of legal license expressly created to assist Washingtonians who cannot afford attorneys. LLLTs can draft all your family law and divorce-related documents and give legal advice.

Best Free Resources for WA Divorces

Northwest Justice Project, also Known as CLEAR. If you income qualify, you might receive live legal assistance from Northwest Justice Project by calling 1-888-201-1014. Expect to spend a few hours trying to get through on the phone—these services are in high demand. I personally volunteer there, as do most divorce and family law attorneys I know.

How to get a divorce certificate in Washington?

To order a divorce certificate in Washington using the mail, it is necessary to submit a request form with all necessary identification and fees associated with the request. Each document requested requires a separate request form. For divorces filed after 1968, mail the request form to: Center for Health Statistics. Department of Health.

What is divorce in Washington?

Divorce is also known as marriage dissolution. In the State of Washington, divorces cases are typically a matter of Family Court or Civil Court , which is a division of the Washington Superior Court system, which is also known as general jurisdiction courts.

What is divorce certificate?

A divorce certificate is the simple statement that a divorce occurred, containing the names of the two parties who have been divorced as well as when and where the divorce was concluded. Often, this form of divorce record is requested when one of the parties wishes to change their name.

What is divorce record?

Divorce records are a more detailed document than both a divorce certificate and a divorce decree. The parties who were involved in the divorce may use these records to challenge any of the agreements listed within them, so it is often suggested that they keep them for personal record to use when filing for a change.

How long does it take to get divorced in Washington State?

8) Divorce Usually Takes a Year. Surprising law or fact number eight: it takes almost a full year for the average person to get divorced in Washington State. It’s a long process, a lot longer than most people think.

How fast can you get divorced in Washington?

The fastest a person can get divorced in Washington is 91 days. That’s true even if the parties agree to get divorced and agree on all the aspects of the divorce, such as who gets the kids and what property, how much child support should be, etc. Washington will not allow them to get divorced any faster than 91 days no matter what. Washington has what’s called a 90-day cooling-off period to make sure the parties truly want to be done with each other.

What is imputation in Washington?

The 12th and final surprising law on our list: Washington allows judges to impute a party who is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed. This is for purposes of child support calculations, and sometimes for purposes of maintenance calculations and property division. “Imputation” means the court treats a party as if he or she has income, even when the party doesn’t truly have it. The most common example of imputation occurs when someone quits his or her job to make it look as if he or she is penniless and unable to pay child support. The court will deem that party as having the income he or she would have had, had he or she not quit.#N#Now that you’ve heard about imputation, you might say it makes perfect sense. But there are some very surprising ways courts have applied this doctrine.

Can adultery be a factor in divorce?

Unfortunately for them, this tends to upset the judge rather than help. Adultery CAN be relevant in a divorce case, but rarely.

Does Washington recognize common law marriage?

Washington will recognize common law marriage in some instances. For those who aren’t aware, common law marriage is when parties live together like a married couple for a very long time and the rules of the state will treat them as if they are married even if they never went through the actual marriage process.

Is Washington a common law state?

Washington is not a common law marriage state. But Washington will recognize a common-law marriage that occurred in a common-law marriage state. For instance, lets assume parties live together like a married couple for 20 years in Montana, which is a common-law marriage state. Washington would recognize that couple as being married for purposes ...

Is legal separation the same as divorce?

In Washington, a legal separation is essentially the same as a divorce. It’s just a difference in terminology for most intents and purposes. Admittedly, there are some differences, and some of those differences can be significant for some people.

What happens if you don't settle your divorce case in Washington?

If the parties are unable to settle the issues in your case you will go to trial. Divorce cases in Washington are tried by a judge not a jury. During trial, your divorce attorney will present your case to the judge through testimony of witnesses (including yourself) and by providing documents called "exhibits.".

How long do you have to respond to a divorce petition?

Review the summons and petition carefully, and discuss your concerns with your divorce attorney. You usually have 20 days to respond to the petition. Do not procrastinate.

What happens if my spouse doesn't respond to my divorce petition?

If your spouse chooses not to respond, you divorce is uncontested and you can proceed to Step 9.

What is a temporary hearing?

Temporary Hearings. You may file a motion for temporary orders asking the court to make temporary orders regarding child support, a temporary parenting plan for your kids, who will reside in your home, and finances while your case is pending.

Do you have to attend a parenting seminar in Washington?

All Washington counties (except Lincoln County), require divorcing parents of minor children to attend a parenting seminar. There is no requirement that the parties attend the seminar together. The seminar discusses the major changes to your family that come with a divorce and how these changes may affect your children. The seminar also provides information about successful co-parenting during the dissolution process. In addition, the seminar typically includes information on the emotional and developmental effects of divorce on children, how custody and parenting plans work, the conduct that is required of parents, and co-parenting after your divorce is final.

What is a confidential form?

In an effort to protect your private information, your attorney will file a confidential information form. These forms provide the court with your contact information, and your personal information including social security numbers without making them available to the general public.

Is mediation a good alternative to trial?

If both parties are able and willing to communicate effectively and productively, mediation can be a good alternative to trial. Most of the time people choose to participate in mediation because they think it is the best way to resolve their differences, but sometimes they participate in mediation because they are ordered to do so by a judge.

Step 1

Visit the ABA website. (See Reference 1.) Click on the "Public Resources" menu and scroll down and click on "Lawyer Locator."

Step 2

Make sure that "Lawyers" is selected in the "Search For" screen at the top of the "Lawyer Locator" section.

Step 3

Select the jurisdictions where your legal problem arises in the "U.S. State/Canadian Province" window. Hold down the control key to select more than one jurisdiction. The system works best if you select just one jurisdiction under this window.

Step 4

Select the areas of law that best cover your legal problem (s) under the "Areas of Practice" window. Hold down the control key to select more than one area.

Step 5

Click on the jurisdictions in which you need the attorneys to be licensed under the "Bar Admissions" window. Hold down the control key to select more than one jurisdiction and try to limit your search to no more than two jurisdictions.

Step 6

Skip the "Years in Practice" and "Major Memberships" windows and click on "Go." The system will return information on attorneys who meet your search criteria.

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