Spokane Divorce Lawyer
DLFM Law is an experienced team of family law attorneys who understand the special challenges men face in divorce – and we have a few local offices located right here in Spokane.
Phone: 509-204-9288
Location: 1008 N. Washington St., Second Floor,
Spokane, WA 99201
Spokane divorce attorney
Antiquated biases and assumptions often lead to men’s rights and interests being overlooked in the divorce process. Divorce Lawyers for Men has seen this happen, and we’re here to put an end to unfair biases and help men secure favorable outcomes in their divorce.
When you turn to Divorce Lawyers for Men, you get the benefit of expert legal representation and compassionate advocacy from a family law attorney who focuses exclusively on protecting men in the family court system.
Our experienced Spokane divorce attorneys understand the challenges men face when divorcing and have earned a reputation for providing strategic representation that gets results. Contact us at (360) 866-7393 to schedule a confidential consultation with a divorce attorney in Washington State today.
Legal separation vs. divorce
Couples in Spokane who are uncertain about whether to seek a divorce may first want to consider filing for legal separation. This can provide a couple with time to decide whether or not they want to continue the marriage while still allowing them access to certain benefits only afforded to married persons.
Legal separation allows the couple to remain legally married but also allows them to live separately, divide their finances, and make other arrangements just as they would in a divorce.
For example, legal separation allows a spouse to remain on the same health insurance plan and file joint tax returns. Unlike a divorce, neither party can remarry after entering into a legal separation unless and until the Decree of Legal Separation has been converted into a Decree of Dissolution of Marriage.
If either party chooses to seek a divorce after entering into a legal separation, they may seek a conversion at least six months after the Decree of Legal Separation has been filed. The conversion is a simple process, however, there are still certain requirements that must be met in order for it to be granted that might make it complicated and more costly to do on your own.
Divorce process in Spokane
While each divorce is unique, there are some steps common to most divorces and legal separations in Spokane.
1. Determine jurisdiction
The first step in the process is to determine where to file for divorce. This is usually the Superior Court of the county where either you or your spouse currently reside.
2. Understanding the roles of the parties
There are two parties to a divorce: the petitioner and the respondent. These are roles automatically assigned to each spouse, and they determine the responsibilities of each at the start of the divorce proceedings.
The petitioner
The petitioner is the spouse who files the initial divorce petition. In their petition, they must provide information about the marriage, the grounds for divorce, and the desired outcomes from the process.
The respondent
The respondent is the spouse who receives the divorce petition. After the petition is served to them, they are responsible for filing a formal response with the court wherein they can either agree to or contest the petitioner’s requests as outlined in the petition.
3. Serve documents
After the petition is filed, it must be served on the respondent. This is done to ensure that they have been formally informed of the divorce proceedings and so that they can prepare for their role in the process. The petitioner is responsible for arranging the service of the divorce petition according to Washington law, such as through a third-party professional known as a process server.
4. File a response
Once they have received the divorce petition, the respondent must file a written response to the divorce petition within 20 days. In their response, they may either agree to the divorce petition’s terms or contest them.
5. Establish temporary orders
The court may establish temporary orders while the divorce is pending. These orders can cover various issues such as child custody, visitation, and spousal support, and they usually remain in effect until the divorce is finalized or until a different order is entered.
If you and your spouse cannot agree to any necessary temporary orders, the person seeking them can present them to the court and the court will make the decision. This will likely require that you attend one or more hearings.
6. Attend required parent education classes
Washington State requires parents of minor children to attend a court-approved parent education class before they can finalize their divorce. These classes help parents understand how their divorce may impact their children and provide tools and resources to help them co-parent effectively and minimize the negative effects of divorce on their family.
There is no requirement to complete this class at any particular stage in the divorce process, but it is best to enroll as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary delays in finalizing your divorce.
7. Disclosures and discovery
Both parties are required to provide full disclosure of their properties, assets, debts, income, and expenses. In addition to serving your financial declaration form, you must also provide copies of certain financial documents including your tax returns, pay stubs, and statements for all banking, investment, retirement, and credit card accounts.
If you feel the need for additional documents or information, such as statements for a longer period of time or for your spouse to answer questions, you can engage in discovery. Discovery can be done through written questions, asking your spouse to produce additional documents, deposing your spouse or a relevant witness, or issuing subpoenas directly to the source such as to a financial institution.
Both of these are done to help both parties have a complete understanding of the property to be divided and each side’s financial state. This will allow them to prepare for the next phases of the divorce process and make fully informed decisions.
8. Participate in mediation
The court will likely assign a trial date to your case early in the divorce process, however, it can be set for several months in the future. As you wait for your trial date, you and your spouse will have the option to participate in mediation. This is an alternate dispute resolution process used to help spouses come to a mutually beneficial agreement that avoids the cost and hassle of a trial and allows them to maintain control over the outcome.
9. Move forward with the trial
If you and your spouse are unable to reach an agreement through mediation, your case will proceed to trial. At trial, the judge will consider the evidence and hear arguments from both sides before issuing rulings on the matters in dispute.
10. Receive your final orders
Whether you reach a settlement or the judge makes a ruling, your divorce will be finalized once all terms have been accepted and signed by the judge. This is done by filing a Decree of Dissolution of Marriage, which legally ends your marriage and outlines the final disposition on all issues such as property division, child custody, parenting time, spousal maintenance, and more.
The decree is a legally binding document — you are required to follow all of the court-ordered conditions outlined in the decree. It is essential that you understand your rights and obligations as outlined in these documents before signing them.
Parenting Plans
If you and your spouse have minor children, one of the final documents will be a Parenting Plan. This outlines when each parent can spend time with the children and how decisions about the children’s upbringing will be made.
Decree of Dissolution of Marriage
The Decree of Dissolution of Marriage details the terms of the divorce. This may include the division of assets and debts, spousal support, and any other conditions imposed by the court or mutually agreed upon by the parties.
Cost of divorce
Many factors can influence the cost of a divorce, including the complexity of the issues, each party’s willingness to cooperate, and the amount of attorney involvement.
Contested or uncontested divorce is the greatest factor affecting costs
There is one element that affects all of the above factors: whether the divorce is contested or uncontested. These terms refer to whether the parties can reach an agreement on all key issues without court intervention.
Uncontested divorces usually cost less than contested cases because the parties can usually reach an agreement without needing to litigate each issue. On the other hand, when both parties cannot agree and must take the case to trial, this can significantly increase the cost of divorce. Gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and other pre-trial processes can contribute to this cost.
Who pays costs and attorney fees?
Usually, each person is responsible for their own attorney fees. However, the court may occasionally order one party to pay a portion of the other party’s fees. This is especially likely in cases where one spouse has a significantly greater income than the other, or if the court finds that one spouse has behaved in an unethical manner during the divorce process.
From start to finish, here is how long your divorce could take
As with cost, the length of the divorce process in Spokane largely depends on whether a divorce is uncontested or contested.
Uncontested
Washington State requires a 90-day waiting period from the date of filing for divorce until a final decree can be issued. The majority of uncontested divorce cases are ready to be finalized once the 90-day waiting period ends. Some may take a bit longer to resolve — often up to six months — especially if the parties have minor children or a more complex asset division to work out.
Contested
The divorce process can take much longer when the parties are unable to agree on key issues. If your case goes to trial, it could take a year or more before the court issues a final decree. The timelines for contested cases vary significantly, depending on the complexity of the issues involved.
Why do I need an attorney for a divorce?
Balancing the personal and legal sides of divorce can be overwhelming. You may be struggling with intense emotions, dealing with financial issues, and trying to understand the many requirements for the processes involved. That is where an experienced divorce attorney comes in. With the right legal representation, you can focus on building a new life for yourself and your loved ones while your attorney handles the legal details.
The need for a divorce attorney in Washington State becomes even more pressing when you consider the biases in the legal system. For instance, family courts may be more inclined to favor homemakers over working spouses in child custody matters.
The court might also impose unfair spousal support obligations on men, even when their wives are capable of being financially independent. There is no predicting how a judge may rule, and a skilled divorce attorney can proactively protect your rights against such inequities.
How we can help
The assistance of a quality attorney can result in tangible benefits to men going through a divorce in Spokane. Whether you are seeking more time with your children or greater financial stability post-divorce, having an experienced divorce attorney on your side can be a crucial part of achieving these goals.
At Divorce Lawyers for Men, we accomplish these results by offering reliable legal services at all stages of your divorce case. Depending on the details of your case, we may provide the following services, among others:
- Helping you understand your options
- Filing the necessary paperwork
- Negotiating a settlement on your behalf
- Collecting evidence to support your case
- Representing you in court
- Advising you on the details of the divorce decree to ensure compliance
Our goal is always to favorably resolve your divorce with your best interests in mind. This includes keeping costs low by seeking an uncontested divorce whenever possible. When necessary, we are also prepared to aggressively litigate on your behalf.
Why choose Divorce Lawyers for Men
Thousands of men just like you have turned to Divorce Lawyers for Men in their time of need. Our statewide network of attorneys shares a commitment to leveling the playing field for men in divorce cases, and you can expect that same level of dedication when you choose us.
Our attorneys provide one-on-one attention throughout the divorce process to ensure every detail is properly taken care of. We are not afraid to challenge the status quo or ask tough questions, and we take pride in our ability to secure the best possible outcome for each of our clients.
Contact Divorce Lawyers for Men online or call (360) 866-7393 today to get started on the road to a brighter future. We look forward to helping you through this difficult time.
Local Communities we serve:
We serve the following areas: Manito, Lincoln Heights, Glenrose, Dishman, Spokane Valley, Millwood, East Central, West Central, Emerson Garfield, Audubon-Downriver, Northwest Spokane, Nevada/Lidgerwood, Highland, Lyons, Hazelwood, Town and Country, Country Homes, Fairwood, and surrounding areas in Spokane County.
Spokane Divorce Attorney Office
Phone Number:
Office Location:
1008 N. Washington St., Second Floor,
Spokane, WA 99201
Office Hours:
M-F, 8AM-5PM
*Closed on court holidays*
Spokane Family Law Offices
Looking for an office closer to home? Click here.
Spokane
DLFM Law Office
- 1008 N. Washington St., Second Floor,
Spokane, WA 99201 - Phone: (509) 204-9288
- Hours: M-F, 8AM-5PM
Learn the Divorce Rules for Men
Avoid Costly Mistakes with our Divorce Rules for Men Video
Watch as expert divorce attorney and co-founder of DLFM Law, Frank Morris, teaches you the 11 Divorce Rules for Men that he developed over his 35+ years of representing men in Washington divorce cases. Download the Printable ‘Divorce Rules for Men‘ Checklist. Click the link below, enter your email address and we will send it straight to your inbox!
Divorce Resources
Divorce and Family Law in Washington can be complicated. To help get you started, we put together a collection of links to resources that will allow you to educate yourself further. If at any time you have some questions, or would like some professional help, feel free to call us at 1 (509) 204-9288 and we will be happy to talk with you about your situation.