Adoption | Anti-Harassment | Child Support | Committed Relationships (CIRs) | Custody | Domestic Violence |
Legal Separation | Parenting Plans | Paternity | Property Division
At Tuohy Minor Kruse, we know that a divorce proceeding is not always easy. Our experienced divorce attorneys are sympathetic to your needs and concerns during a potentially difficult time.
A dissolution case can turn complex, since many factors are involved, including parenting plans, custody, child support, property division, and even domestic violence.
The state of Washington is a no-fault divorce state, meaning either party may seek a dissolution of the marriage without a party being at fault. After the petition and summons are filed and served, the parties must wait a minimum of 90 days before finalizing the divorce.
During this 90-day period, many parties often need temporary orders. These orders inform the parties of important living arrangements, such as who lives in the family home, who is responsible for debts, where the children will reside, and whether either party must pay spousal/child support, among other things.
Temporary orders are usually in effect until the divorce is final, which is why it is imperative to seek legal counsel early in the process. Many important decisions made at the outset of a divorce set the tone for the remainder of the case. These decisions can have a significant impact on your life.
If you are finding yourself in the middle of a dissolution, or wishing to start one, we invite you to contact our office in Everett to speak with one of our divorce attorneys, who can help you navigate the court system, protect your rights, and ease your mind of stress. We represent clients in Everett, Lynnwood, Mill Creek, Mount Vernon, and other cities in Snohomish County and Skagit County.
Legal Separation
Unlike divorce, a legal separation does not put an end to the marriage. During a legal separation, you have a court order that outlines the rights and responsibilities of each spouse while they are living apart. You remain legally married while choosing to live separate lives.
Issues that your attorney can address in a separation agreement include division of assets and debts, child custody and child support, visitation schedules, spousal support, and divorce.
Committed Intimate Relationships
The state of Washington defines a Committed Intimate Relationship (CIR) as a “stable, marital-like relationship where both parties cohabit with knowledge that a lawful marriage between them does not exist.” Factors the determine a CIR include continuous cohabitation, duration of the relationship, purpose of the relationship, pooling of resources and services for joint projects, and the intent of the parties. When a CIR ends, the couple must divide assets and property that were accrued during the relationship.
Much like a divorce, the dissolution of a CIR can become heated and emotional, and the support and knowledge of our experienced lawyers can negotiate fairly on your behalf.
Property Division
During the course of a marriage or committed relationship, parties will accrue property and interests that are legally considered “community property.” When pursuing a divorce or a legal separation, it may be difficult to divide these properties fairly. Property division extensively covers furniture and tools to pensions and the necessity of a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO).
Matters could quickly turn complex. The lawyers at Tuohy Minor Kruse are experienced in discovering assets, determining values, and negotiating fairly. We work diligently to always represent your interests, even if the lines become a little blurry.