Best Divorce Lawyers in Yakima, WA

FAQs

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

  Contact the Yakima police at 509-575-6200 for non-emergencies.

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

  Submit requests for police reports online at https://yakimacountywa.mycusthelp.com/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(fslryfctggqual2oofyeniww))/supporthome.aspx. If you need more information, email recordsrequest@co.yakima.wa.us or contact the Public Records Officer, Patricia Andersen, at (509)574-1200. You may visit the station at 200 South Third Street in Yakima for more details.

• What should you do before starting a divorce case in Yakima?

  Consult with the court facilitator if you want to file a divorce in Yakima. The facilitators can provide the correct booklet for your case and check if you have the correct case type. They cannot give legal advice but can answer basic questions on court procedures and arrange court hearings. You may call 509-574-2695 for more information and schedule a visit to the Family Court in Room 213 at 128 N 2nd Street in Yakima.

• How can you make a good impression with the Parenting Evaluator or Guardian ad Litem (GAL) in a divorce case in Yakima?

  You have to be on time for appointments, follow procedures diligently, and be cooperative in answering questions from the Parenting Evaluator or Guardian ad Litem (GAL.) You should also prepare significant evidence for your case and explore issues that the GAL may find crucial. Take note that the GAL is responsible for assessing you and your family in your Yakima divorce case, so making a good impression may result in a positive outcome for your situation.

• Can you fight for custody and related matters in a committed intimate relationship in Yakima just like in a divorce?

  Yes. You can fight for custody and related matters in a committed intimate relationship in Yakima, just like in a divorce. The outcome of such a case will be assessed based on several factors, including relationship length, continuity, and purpose. You must file a claim on time to establish in court that the relationship existed within three years of ending it.

• Who can you seek help from for a divorce case involving domestic violence in Yakima?

  You can seek help from the Northwest Justice Project (NJP) for your divorce case involving domestic violence in Yakima. If you are from a low-income household, you can call the NJP's CLEAR Hotline at 1-888-201-1014 for case evaluation and referral to local legal aid offices. Hearing- or speech-impaired individuals can also use the hotline for assistance. Interpreters are available for speakers of Somali, Tagalog, and Spanish lanuages.

• What things are considered in a parenting plan for a divorce case in Yakima?

  The parenting plan in a Yakima divorce case establishes the living schedule arrangement and decision-making authority. The living schedule arrangement can be a sole residential schedule wherein the children live with one parent or a joint residential schedule wherein children live with both parents alternately. The parenting plan can indicate that both parents have equal decision-making power, that each parent has limited decision-making power, or that only one parent makes all the choices for the children.

• 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.