Best Divorce Lawyers in Bellingham

Frequently Asked Questions

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

  For non-emergency situations in Bellingham, Washington, you can call (360) 676-6911.

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

  In Bellingham, Washington, you can obtain a copy of the police report by submitting an online request through the city's public records portal. For general public records inquiries, you may also contact the City Public Records Officer.

• What are the grounds for divorce in Bellingham, Washington?

  Since Washington is a no-fault divorce state, you just need to show irreconcilable differences between you and your spouse. You do not have to establish that your spouse was at fault. If the filing spouse seeks for a no-fault divorce in Bellingham, Washington and demonstrates that the marriage has irreparably broken down, the court will typically approve the request quickly.

• What determines alimony during a divorce in Bellingham, Washington?

  In Bellingham, Washington, spousal maintenance is typically determined by the length of the marriage. During marriages of fewer than five years, courts often attempt to return the parties to their pre-marriage financial status. Courts normally strive to place the spouses in an equal financial position for the rest of their lives, or at least until both parties retire, in marriages of 25 years or more. Alimony awards are significantly less guaranteed in marriages lasting five to 25 years, and court officials often apply their discretion in ways that contradict one another.

• What factors are considered in determining alimony during a divorce in Bellingham, Washington?

  In Bellingham, Washington, some of the factors considered in determining alimony during a divorce include the financial resources of the spouse requesting maintenance, the length of marriage, the standard of living established during the marriage, and the emotional and physical condition, age, and financial obligations of the petitioner.  Another aspect to evaluate is the spouse's capacity to satisfy his or her own needs and financial responsibilities while simultaneously meeting those of the spouse requesting alimony. It is best to consult a divorce attorney if you were dealing with these matters.

• How long do you have to be married to get alimony in Bellingham, Washington?

  In general, Washington State courts grant one year of alimony for every three or four years of marriage. According to practitioners, judges often grant alimony for a period of time equivalent to around 25 percent of the length of the marriage. According to Washington law, courts must evaluate both the requesting spouse's need for maintenance and the other spouse's capacity to pay. Since these issues could be complicated, it is essential to consult a Bellingham divorce attorney.

• Does it matter who files for divorce first in Bellingham, Washington?

  Who files for divorce first has no effect on your case in Bellingham, Washington, except in rare situations. Examples include circumstances in which the responding party makes emergent claims against the party who filed initially, the case goes to trial and is a close call, and one of the parties demands temporary orders. At the hearing on temporary orders, the moving party gets to argue first and last. These strategic advantages make it simpler for the petitioner to persuade the judge to grant temporary relief.