Experienced Divorce Attorneys in Bellevue, WA

Most people know divorce is a legal action between married persons to end their marriage. In Washington State, it’s referred to as “dissolution” of marriage. If you are going through a divorce, a Bellevue Divorce Lawyer is available to help.

Family Law and Divorce

Family law is the area of the law that deals with family related matters including divorce. Other legal areas in family law include child support, spousal support, domestic partnerships, gay and lesbian marriages, adoption, and numerous other areas.

No-Fault Divorce in Washington State

Washington is a no-fault divorce state. A no-fault divorce means the court is not concerned with the reasons for the divorce. In fault-based states, the person filing for divorce has to provide grounds to obtain it such as adultery, cruelty, abandonment, etc.

Divorce and Legal Separation

The legal process for obtaining a divorce and legal separation are the same. In both, all property and debts are divided, spousal and child support are at issue, and a parenting plan is required if there are children. The major legal distinction is that a legal separation does not end the marriage, and parties may not remarry. In King County, converting a decree of legal separation to divorce requires six months to pass after the decree of legal separation is ordered. However, it is a relatively simple and inexpensive legal procedure.

Though the legal process is the same, there may be important legal and emotional issues that affect the decision to seek a legal separation rather than a divorce.

What Happens in a Divorce?

In addition to ending the marriage, a divorce action results in dividing a couple’s property and debts (i.e., property division), and determining spousal support (alimony), child support, and child custody (residential placement) arrangements if children are involved.