Divorce lawyer in Vancouver, WA
DLFM Law is an experienced team of family law attorneys in Vancouver, Wa who understand the special challenges men face in divorce.
Phone: 360-787-9363
Divorce lawyer in Vancouver, WA
At Divorce Lawyers for Men, we are proud to provide men in Vancouver and the surrounding areas with the top-quality legal representation they need to achieve favorable outcomes. Regardless of where you are in the divorce process, our team is ready to begin protecting your rights. Contact us today to learn more.
Cost of divorce
Our divorce lawyers understand the financial burdens of divorce — we will work hard to ensure that the costs are manageable for you. No two cases are the same, so our approach is tailored to each individual’s budget and needs.
Contested or uncontested divorce is the greatest factor affecting costs
The total cost of your Vancouver divorce will largely depend upon your legal needs. If you and your spouse can come to an agreement on how to divide property, debts, and all other matters, you may be able to resolve your divorce without the expense of a trial. This type of divorce is called an uncontested divorce, which is usually the most cost-effective approach.
On the other hand, if you cannot agree on one or more issues, your divorce will be considered contested. This means that a judge will determine how to divide property and debts, and any other matters you are in disagreement on.
This type of divorce is usually more expensive than an uncontested divorce, so we encourage our clients to explore all possible avenues for an amicable resolution before heading to court.
Why you need a Vancouver lawyer for divorce
Although recent societal changes have led to greater financial and social equality among genders, men are still subject to outdated biases in the family court system. These biases can negatively affect the outcome of your divorce, leaving you with an unfair settlement that impacts your post-divorce life for years to come.
Without a qualified Washington divorce attorney advocating on your behalf, you may find your future hinging on the whims of an unsympathetic court system. You need a dedicated representative in your corner who will fight for the terms that you deserve — and when you have Divorce Lawyers for Men on your side, that is exactly what you get.
Who pays attorney costs and fees?
In most Vancouver divorce cases, both spouses pay the attorney costs and fees that they have personally incurred through the course of the proceedings. However, there may be situations in which one spouse is obligated to cover all or some of the other’s legal costs. This most often occurs when there is a substantial difference in the parties’ financial statuses.
Another possible situation where the court may order one spouse to pay the other’s legal costs is when one party has acted in bad faith during the divorce proceedings. This could include hiding or destroying evidence, obstructing communication with their spouse, or otherwise attempting to gain an unjust advantage in the proceedings.
Legal separation vs. divorce
Washington State allows couples to seek a legal separation as an alternative to divorce. This option is particularly beneficial for couples who are not ready to end their marriage but need a court order to govern matters such as parental responsibilities and the division of assets.
Differences
The status of the marriage following the decree is the most significant difference between legal separation and divorce. When a couple is legally separated, they are still married, but the court order defines their living situation and other relevant matters. Divorce, on the other hand, ends the marriage entirely.
As a result, divorced couples may get remarried to a new partner, while legally separated couples cannot remarry until their separation is converted to a divorce. Furthermore, legal separation allows the parties to continue to enjoy many of the benefits of legal marriage that are lost in divorce, such as remaining on their spouse’s health insurance.
Similarities
The process of obtaining a legal separation and a divorce is broadly the same. In both cases, the court finalizes the terms of the separation or divorce and issues a document outlining the agreement. This document governs the rights and obligations of each spouse, including matters such as custody, support payments, and the division of property and debts. It goes by a different name for the distinct proceedings, but its function and structure are essentially the same.
This means that legally separated couples may be subject to court orders involving the same matters as divorced couples. For instance, a legal separation decree may involve child support payments or property division just like a divorce decree would.
Right to conversion
If either spouse decides that they want to convert the legal separation into a divorce, they can do so. Washington State law allows either party to file for conversion of the legal separation after six months have passed since the separation was finalized. This is a simple process in which the court transfers the terms of the legal separation into a divorce decree.
How our Vancouver divorce lawyers can help
It pays to have an experienced divorce lawyer in Vancouver, WA representing you during your divorce proceedings. At Divorce Lawyers for Men, we stand with our clients every step of the way and strive to ensure that their rights, interests, and long-term goals are protected at every turn. This may involve:
- Helping you weigh your legal options
- Completing and filing the initial divorce papers
- Collecting evidence to support your side of the case
- Participating in negotiations to achieve out-of-court resolutions
- Speaking on your behalf in court hearings
- Dissecting the terms of legal documents before you agree to them
- Offering advice and guidance on your rights and responsibilities post-divorce
With our assistance, you can focus on moving forward with your life while we handle the legal side of things. Peace of mind is our top priority — and with us, you can rest assured that your future is in good hands.
Divorce process in Vancouver
1. File the petition
The first step in the divorce process involves one spouse (the petitioner), filing a petition for the dissolution of the marriage. This should be done in the county where either spouse resides. In the petition, the filing spouse must detail the grounds for divorce and their requests for the division of property and other matters.
2. Serve the petition or respond within 20 days
Once the petition has been filed, it must be served on the respondent. The respondent must then file a written response within 20 days. The response should outline the party’s agreement or disagreement with the terms requested in the petition as well as any demands of their own. If they agree to all of the petitioner’s terms, the divorce will move forward as an uncontested divorce. Otherwise, it will be contested.
3. Attend hearings for temporary orders
After the court has received both parties’ divorce papers, it may schedule court hearings for temporary orders. This is done to resolve any immediate matters, such as child and spousal support payments or temporary custody arrangements. Any orders issued during these hearings will remain in effect until the divorce is finalized.
4. Participate in discovery
At this point, both parties must participate in discovery, which is a process of obtaining documents and other evidence that will be used to determine the final outcome of the divorce. During this process, both parties must exchange financial information, disclose any debts or assets, and produce any documents or witnesses that could support their claims.
5. Negotiations
In the case of an uncontested divorce, the spouses may move forward with negotiations. This could involve the parties agreeing to a settlement or utilizing some form of alternative dispute resolution, such as arbitration or mediation. The settlement’s terms will then be put in writing and submitted to the court for the judge’s approval.
6. Trial
If the divorce is contested, the parties will need to wait for their court-scheduled trial date. In the meantime, they may attempt to negotiate a settlement but if no agreement is reached, the trial will proceed and the judge will determine the outcome of the divorce. In either case, the judge will issue a divorce decree that finalizes the terms of the divorce.
Length of divorce
The length of the divorce process depends largely on whether it is a contested or uncontested divorce. Uncontested divorces are often ready to be finalized within three months of filing after completing Washington State’s 90-day waiting period. Some uncontested divorce cases can take slightly longer, but most are resolved within six months.
Contested divorces may take much longer, often ranging from six months to many years. This greater length is often due to waiting times for trial dates and discovery periods, as well as the complex nature of the case.
Final documents in divorce
After the divorce is finalized and all legal matters have been resolved, both parties will receive copies of their final documents. One such document is the Decree of Dissolution of Marriage. This is the document that officially ends the marital relationship. It details the legal terms of the divorce, such as asset and debt division, child custody and visitation rights, child support obligations, and spousal support (if any).
In cases involving minor children, the court will also issue a Parenting Plan. This document details the rights and responsibilities of each parent and sets forth a parenting/visitation schedule for the children. It may address holiday schedules, transportation arrangements, and other matters.
Why choose Divorce Lawyers for Men?
Divorce Lawyers for Men is not your typical law firm — it is a statewide network of legal professionals who are passionate about representing men in family law cases. Thousands of men have trusted our attorneys to fight for their rights as fathers, protect their assets, and achieve fair settlements, and we want to help you, too.
When you work with us, you can expect nothing less than personalized service, zealous representation, and a commitment to get you the best possible outcome in your case. We know how close these issues hit home for you, which is why we do everything in our power to ensure a fair and equitable resolution.
If you are facing a divorce and need help, we encourage you to contact Divorce Lawyers for Men today at (360) 866-7393. We look forward to serving you.
Our Divorce Lawyers in Vancouver, WA Office Serves:
We serve the following areas in and around Vancouver: Salmon Creek, Livingston, Mt Vista, Felida, Camas, Hockinson, Brush Prairie, Sara, Orchards, Minnehaha, Baker, Five Corners, Mill Plain, and surrounding areas in Clark County, and Cowlitz County.
Divorce Attorney Vancouver, WA Office
Vancouver Phone Number:
Office Location:
237 NE Chkalov Dr #212
Vancouver, WA 98684
Office Hours:
M-F, 8AM-5PM
*Closed on court holidays*
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Vancouver Family Law Offices
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Vancouver
DLFM Law Office
- 237 NE Chkalov Dr #212
Vancouver, WA 98684 - Phone: (360) 787-9363
- 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!
Do not put your future at risk
Do not put your future at risk by just signing your divorce paperwork without questioning it, or settling for just any attorney when dealing with a Clark County Family Law case.
If you arbitrarily agree to spousal support (alimony), or a child support amount, you could be committing yourself to pay more than you’re required. You might be giving away assets that you could be protecting. You don’t have to throw away what you have because you think it will help resolve your divorce faster. Often, you just end up continuing to fork over more and more until there’s nothing left for your spouse to ask for.
DLFM Law has the knowledge and experience to ensure that your rights are protected and a fair settlement is reached. If you have children, property, savings, retirement, or if your spouse has hired an attorney, you should strongly consider retaining legal representation to protect your interests.
You are Not Alone
6 to 7 People a Day Filed for Divorce in Clark County in 2019.
*Divorce Facts & Statistics in Washington State
One of the hardest parts about going through a divorce is thinking you are alone. You are not alone. Others have gone through a similar situation and have made it out on the other side. It is time to gather your support team of friends & family, and when you are ready give us a call.
Vancouver Divorce Resources
Links and Resources for Vancouver Family Law cases
Divorce and Family Law in Washington can be complicated. To help get you started, we put together a collection of links to Vancouver 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 (360) 787-9363 and we will be happy to talk with you about your situation.