LEGAL SEPARATION ATTORNEY IN TACOMA, WA
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Legal Separation Lawyer in Tacoma, WA - Guidance for Your Separation
If you are considering separating from your spouse in Tacoma, WA, an experienced legal separation attorney can help you navigate the process while protecting your rights and interests. At Morgan Hill P.C., our dedicated legal separation lawyers in Tacoma guide clients through the process of dividing assets, establishing child custody arrangements, and determining support under Washington state laws, without dissolving the marriage. Serving Pierce County courts, we provide compassionate support for this alternative to divorce. Contact us today at (253) 579-0900 or click here to book online and schedule a consultation to explore your options.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Legal Separation in Washington State
- Differences Between Legal Separation and Divorce
- The Process of Filing for Legal Separation in Tacoma
- Key Issues Addressed in Legal Separation Agreements
- Costs and Timelines for Legal Separation in Pierce County
- Converting Legal Separation to Divorce
- Why Choose Morgan Hill P.C. as Your Legal Separation Lawyer
- FAQ
Understanding Legal Separation in Washington State
Legal separation attorney services in Tacoma, WA, enable married couples to live apart while resolving financial and family matters through a court order, without dissolving their marriage. Governed by Chapter 26.09 RCW, this process addresses similar issues to divorce, such as property division and child support, while preserving marital status for reasons like health insurance, religious beliefs, or tax benefits.
In Pierce County, legal separation is often an ideal option for couples who are unsure about permanent dissolution or need time to reconcile. Courts require proof that the marriage is irretrievably broken, similar to no-fault divorce grounds under RCW 26.09.030. Our attorneys help ensure agreements are fair and enforceable.
Differences Between Legal Separation and Divorce
While both processes divide assets and establish parenting plans, key differences include:
- Marital Status: Legal separation maintains the marriage; divorce ends it.
- Remarriage: You cannot remarry during separation.
- Benefits: Separation often preserves military or health benefits.
- Conversion Option: Separation can convert to divorce after six months per RCW 26.09.150.
For Tacoma couples, separation may be a suitable option for those with shared pensions or insurance. Explore our divorce page for comparisons.
The Process of Filing for Legal Separation in Tacoma
Filing with a legal separation lawyer in Tacoma involves:
- Petition Filing: Submit to Pierce County Superior Court, citing irretrievable breakdown.
- Service: Notify your spouse.
- Response: Spouse has 20-60 days to respond.
- Negotiation/Discovery: Exchange financial info; mediate if needed.
- Hearing: Court approves agreement after 90-day wait.
People often ask: How long does legal separation take in Washington? Typically 3-6 months for uncontested cases.
Key Issues Addressed in Legal Separation Agreements
Agreements cover:
- Property Division: Equitable split under RCW 26.09.080. See our property division page.
- Spousal Maintenance: Based on need and duration per RCW 26.09.090.
- Child Custody and Support: Best interests standard via RCW 26.09.002, and guidelines under RCW 26.19. Refer to our child custody and child support pages.
- Debts: Allocation of responsibilities.
We handle complexities like domestic violence impacts under RCW 26.09.191.
Costs and Timelines for Legal Separation in Pierce County
Filing fees are approximately $300; attorney costs range from $2,000 to $5,000 for uncontested cases, and are higher for contested cases. Timelines: 90-day minimum wait, with a total duration of 4-12 months, or longer due to factors such as disputes or mediation.
Converting Legal Separation to Divorce
After six months, either spouse can petition to convert under RCW 26.09.150, without refiling. This flexibility benefits Tacoma clients undergoing separation testing.
Why Choose Morgan Hill P.C. as Your Legal Separation Lawyer
With a 4.9 aggregate review score on Google from 90+ reviews, Morgan Hill P.C. offers skilled representation in Pierce County legal separations. Our team focuses on amicable resolutions and personalized plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is legal separation in Washington state?
A: Legal separation in Washington state is a court-ordered arrangement that lets couples live apart while still being married, sorting out things like property division, all covered under Chapter 26.09 RCW.
Q: How does legal separation differ from divorce in Tacoma?
A: The big difference is that legal separation keeps you married, while divorce ends the marriage. Both handle asset division in accordance with RCW 26.09.080. You can learn more about divorce on our divorce page.
Q: Do I need a lawyer for legal separation in Pierce County?
A: It’s not a must, but we’d strongly suggest getting a lawyer, especially for complex cases in Pierce County, to make sure everything is handled fairly.
Q: How long does legal separation take in WA?
A: You’re looking at a minimum of 90 days, though uncontested cases typically wrap up in 3-6 months.
Q: Can legal separation include child custody?
A: Yes, it absolutely can, with custody decisions made based on the child’s best interests as outlined in RCW 26.09.002. Check out our child custody page for more insights.
Q: What are the costs for legal separation in Tacoma?
A: You’re looking at a filing fee of around $300, with attorney fees generally ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, depending on the details.
Q: Can I convert a legal separation to a divorce later?
A: Yes, you can turn it into a divorce after six months, as allowed under RCW 26.09.150.
Q: Does legal separation affect spousal support?
A: Definitely, courts can award spousal maintenance during separation, governed by RCW 26.09.090. You can find more on our spousal support page.
Q: Is legal separation reversible in Washington?
A: Yes, it’s good to know that couples can reconcile and reverse the separation without needing to go back to court.
Q: How is property divided in a legal separation?
A: Property is divided equitably during legal separation, following RCW 26.09.080. Dive deeper into this on our property division page.
Practice Areas
FAMILY LAW
PERSONAL INJURY
Our Service Area Locations
Tacoma
Pierce County
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