DIVORCE LAWYER IN TACOMA, WA

Understanding Divorce in Washington State

Washington is a no-fault divorce state, meaning you don’t need to prove wrongdoing to end a marriage. You simply state that it’s irretrievably broken, as per RCW 26.09.030. This simplifies things, but details like child custody, property division, and support still require careful handling. As family law attorneys in Tacoma, WA, we frequently encounter cases influenced by local factors, such as military families near Joint Base Lewis-McChord or high-net-worth individuals with complex assets.

Divorce isn’t just a legal matter; it’s a deeply personal one. We’ve helped numerous clients make smooth transitions, reducing stress for everyone involved, especially children. If you’re looking for a “divorce lawyer near me in Tacoma,” our team at Morgan Hill PC combines compassion with expertise to create strategies tailored to your specific situation.

The Divorce Process in Tacoma, WA

Filing for divorce in Washington involves several steps, and timelines can vary depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested. Here’s a breakdown to help you prepare:

1. Initial Consultation and Preparation: Meet with a divorce attorney in Tacoma, WA, to review your case. We’ll assess assets, debts, and any child-related issues. Gather documents such as financial statements, marriage certificates, and prenuptial agreements, if applicable.
2. Filing the Petition: One spouse files a Petition for Dissolution in Pierce County Superior Court. The filing fee is approximately $300-$ 400, and residency requires at least one spouse to be a resident of Washington. Under RCW 26.09.010, this starts the process.
3. Serving Papers: The non-filing spouse is served, with 20 days to respond. If uncontested, you can proceed jointly.
4. Discovery and Negotiation: Exchange financial info and negotiate terms. Mediation is encouraged in Tacoma to avoid going to trial. It’s faster and less costly.
5. Court Hearings and Finalization: If agreed, submit a settlement for approval. Contested cases may need hearings or a trial. The final decree is issued after a 90-day waiting period from the date of filing or service.

In Pierce County, cases typically resolve within 3-6 months for uncontested matters and up to 12 months or more for contested matters. As your Tacoma divorce lawyer, we’ll streamline this to reduce delays.

For more on related services, visit our child custody page or property division resources.

Types of Divorce We Handle

At Morgan Hill PC, we specialize in various divorce scenarios common in Tacoma:

• Uncontested Divorce: Quick and amicable when both agree on terms. Ideal for couples without kids or major assets. Often resolved in months.
• Contested Divorce: When disputes arise over custody, support, or property. We strongly advocate in court, citing RCW 26.09.080 for equitable division.
• High-Asset Divorce: Protecting complex finances like businesses, investments, or retirements. Our attorneys in Tacoma, WA, work closely with experts to ensure accurate and fair valuations.
• Military Divorce: Special rules under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act for JBLM personnel, including pension division.
• Gray Divorce: For couples over 50, focusing on retirement, alimony (RCW 26.09.090), and long-term security.

Regardless of the type, our goal is a resolution that allows you to move forward. Check our legal separation page if divorce isn’t immediate.

Costs and Timelines for Divorce in Pierce County

Divorce costs in Tacoma vary. Uncontested divorces may start at $2,500 in attorney fees, plus a $300 filing fee; contested divorces can exceed $ 10,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the need for trials. Factors include complexity, mediation (starting at $1,000), and expert fees (e.g., appraisers).

Timelines: A mandatory 90-day wait, but the full process averages 4-12 months. In Pierce County, court backlogs can add time. Our local knowledge helps speed up things for you.

We offer transparent pricing without surprises. For modifications post-divorce, see our order modification details.

Key Issues in Divorce Cases

Divorce often involves intertwined matters. Here’s how we address them:

• Child Custody and Parenting Plans: Prioritizing the child’s best interests under RCW 26.09.002. We create balanced plans covering visitation and decision-making. Link to child custody attorney services.
• Child Support: Calculated via Washington’s schedule (Chapter 26.19 RCW), based on income and time. We ensure accuracy. Explore our child support page.
• Spousal Support (Maintenance): Temporary or long-term based on need and duration (RCW 26.09.090). Common in unequal-earning marriages.
• Property Division: Equitable split of community property (RCW 26.09.080). We protect your assets. Details on our property division page.
• Domestic Violence Concerns: Immediate protection orders (Chapter 7.105 RCW). Safety first. Visit domestic violence resources.

We also handle prenuptial agreements (postnuptial agreements) (RCW 26.09.070) and paternity cases if needed (Chapter 26.26A RCW).

Why Choose Morgan Hill PC as Your Divorce Attorney?

In Tacoma, WA, our divorce attorneys stand out with local expertise in Pierce County courts. We’re not just lawyers; we’re advocates who understand the judges and procedures, helping you save time and reduce stress. Clients value our straightforward approach: no jargon, just results. Take John (name changed): Facing a contested divorce with custody issues, we mediated a fair plan, avoiding trial and maintaining co-parenting. Stories like his motivate us. We’re dedicated to education, linking to resources such as RCW codes, and providing in-depth information throughout this website. With a 4.9 Google rating, you can trust us with your case.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Don’t let divorce overwhelm you. Get the support you deserve from a reliable divorce attorney in Tacoma, WA.

Schedule your consultation today at (253) 579-0900 or click here to book one online. Your path to resolution starts here.