Best Divorce Lawyers in Gig Harbor, WA

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Gig Harbor, Washington?

  If you need to report a non-emergency incident to an officer in Gig Harbor, you can call either 253-851-2236, extension 1, or 253-287-4455 x1.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Gig Harbor, Washington?

  To obtain a police report, you can reach the department where the incident happened. If the incident occurred in Gig Harbor City, you can request the copy in person at Gig Harbor PD or online through their portal. It's essential to have the case number, but if it's unavailable, providing as much specific information as possible, such as the date, time, and location of the incident, can assist in locating the report.

  Online portal: https://cityofgigharborwa.nextrequest.com/

• What determines the duration of child and spousal support payments in a Gig Harbor divorce?

  In a Gig Harbor divorce, the duration of child support payments is determined by the child's age. These payments continue until the child reaches the age of 18 or 19, if still in secondary school. Spousal support payments may vary depending on several factors, including the length, the income earned, and the quality of life enjoyed during the marriage. An ex-spouse may receive spousal support until they can rebuild their finances.

• How does the collaborative divorce process work in Gig Harbor?

  In Gig Harbor, the collaborative divorce process requires both parties and their attorneys to sign a participation agreement emphasizing the significance of good faith and respect, focusing on needs and interests, and avoiding the involvement of courts. Additionally, the parties may seek the advice of other collaborative professionals, including divorce coaches, child specialists, and financial specialists. These professionals provide specialized guidance and support to assist the parties in successfully working through the collaborative divorce process.

• What is the cost of hiring a divorce attorney in Gig Harbor?

  The cost of hiring a divorce attorney in Gig Harbor can vary depending on the level of contention and complexity of the case. If both parties can agree quickly, the costs can be lower. However, it is difficult to provide an exact cost without understanding the specifics of the case, especially if there are a lot of assets to divide, such as numerous properties, bank accounts, or small businesses.

• What information should you collect before preparing for divorce in Gig Harbor?

  To prepare for divorce in Gig Harbor, you must gather financial information, including real estate details, credit card and loan balances, income, tax returns, vehicle values, retirement accounts and benefits, insurance premiums, and other high-value assets. Collecting financial information is essential to ensure that you are prepared for the process. This information will help you make informed decisions about the division of assets and other financial matters.

• How long is the divorce process in Gig Harbor?

  Divorce in Gig Harbor usually takes approximately nine months to complete. However, the timeframe is subject to the parties' ability to reach a quick agreement on major issues such as child support, parenting plan, spousal support, and asset and debt allocation. Typically, it takes about nine months, but most complex and contentious cases can take over a year.

• What are the basic steps to filing for divorce?

  The steps required to file for divorce depend heavily on whether the divorce is contested, if there are minor children or property issues at stake, and if there are disagreements over child support or alimony. The process may also differ from state to state, but generally parties must:

  • File the divorce petition
  • Hire a process server to give the other party divorce papers/respond to the original petitioner's filing
  • Request temporary orders covering issues such as custody/visitation, support, and exclusive property use
  • Make financial disclosures
  • Request discovery from your spouse
  • Propose and/or consider a possible settlement
  • Go to trial if necessary
  • Receive a signed judgment from the court indicating the divorce is final
  • Address post-divorce tasks such as transferring property titles and closing joint bank accounts

• How much does it cost to get a divorce?

  The cost of a divorce differs dramatically based on a litany of criteria, such as whether the divorce is contested, where the divorce petition is filed, and whether the divorce requires a professional intermediary or other legal expert. A simple, low-frills DIY divorce can be as little as a few hundred dollars. Add in mediation and the cost may jump to the mid-four figures and can easily reach $7,000 or more. Hire a lawyer and you may pay anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000+ if there are major custodial issue or complex financial concerns.

• How much does a divorce lawyer cost?

  Most divorce lawyers charge by the hour and billing can vary dramatically. Some attorneys in more affordable markets and/or with less experience may charge as little as $75/hour. More experienced attorney or those who have large staffs, specialize in complex cases, or hold relevant certifications may charge premium rates in excess of $400/hour. Then there are the amount of hours invested; simple cases may be over in a matter of weeks while hotly contested divorces can drag on for years leading to lawyer's fees in the tens of thousands.

• How to choose a divorce lawyer/what to look for?

  Divorce lawyers are not one-size-fits-all. It's important to find a lawyer whose skill set, experience, and resources align with the demands of each specific situation. For instance, some attorneys will push mediation while others are naturals in the courtroom.

  • Know your budget
  • Limit your search to lawyers experienced in family law
  • Zero in on lawyers or firms that can handle the complexities of divorce, especially any issues that may be specific to the current case
  • Read reviews and ask friends for recommendations, but remember that their situations and needs may not be the same
  • Conduct interviews to see who feels trustworthy and can spell out an approach that feels appropriate
  • Try to ignore ad campaigns and office décor and instead consider track record and skills

• What is an uncontested divorce?

  An uncontested divorce is one in which both parties agree on the major issues, such as custody of any minor children, child support, alimony, and how to divide any assets and/or debt. While uncontested divorces still require a judge to approve the terms of the divorcing couple's signed agreement, these relatively simple splits tend to move faster, cost less money, and are easier to execute without the help of a divorce lawyer. A divorce filing that goes unanswered by the non-petitioning party may also be considered uncontested.

• Can you file for divorce without a lawyer?

  It's possible to file for divorce without a lawyer, especially if the divorce is uncontested. Many states offer free divorce forms either online or at legal self-help centers located in or near family court. There are often dispute resolution resources available as well; mediation services can help iron out disputes over custody or financial support without involving lawyers. Still, a free consultation with a divorce lawyer can offer valuable insight, and contentious divorces, whether they go to trial or not, all but require legal representation.

• How long does it take to get a divorce?

  The length of a divorce is contingent on four things: each state's mandatory waiting period, whether the divorce is uncontested or contested, how quickly both sides can come to an agreement, and how quickly a judge is able to hear or review the case and sign off. The best-case scenario is an uncontested divorce in a state with a short waiting period which could see a divorce finalized in a matter of weeks. For divorces with highly combative parties, long discovery periods, and other complications, a decision could take months or even years.

• How to prepare for divorce?

  It's difficult to ever feel truly prepared for the rigors of divorce, but there are several steps that can make the process more bearable and allow for a more positive outcome:

  • Interview attorneys
  • Locate and make copies of important documents like mortgage and car titles, insurance policies, business licenses, financial records, bank statements, and income tax returns
  • Take inventory of valuable household items that should be considered later while splitting assets
  • Make a detailed list of monthly expenses, including utilities, rent or mortgage, childcare, kids' activities like sports or dance classes, school tuition, and insurance
  • Know what the respondent's income is, including any income from self-employment, stock dividends, and interest
  • Double-check credit history and evaluate both short- and long-term earning potential
  • Set goals for ideal custody arrangement, support amounts, and living arrangements
  • Get support from friends and family

• What to do with an engagement ring after divorce?

  Most courts follow state laws that consider an engagement ring to be the recipient's property once a wedding takes place, which means it remains that recipient's individual property even after a divorce. Other states categorize engagement rings as marital property and as such the ring is subject to the same division of assets as a house or art collection might be. For spouses who get to keep their jewelry, engagement rings can be sold, dismantled and repurposed, returned to the original buyer, or kept and handed down to any children the marriage may have produced.

• What is divorce mediation?

  When divorces get heated or even just have the potential to become messy, a neutral third party can help calm both parties and resolve issues without the need for a trial. This is called mediation. A great mediator is unbiased and invested in a balanced, fair outcome; they will ideally listen to both parties, encourage respectful discussions, and raise questions or concerns when appropriate. Once an agreement is reached, the mediator will prepare documents detailing the agreed-upon terms. Using a mediator only works if both sides are willing to meet and discuss a compromise, but doing so can save a considerable amount of time, money, emotional strain, and overall stress.