Family Law Lawyer

Washington is a no-fault divorce state, meaning you do not need to prove wrongdoing to obtain a divorce. Our attorneys guide you through property division under Washington's community property laws, spousal maintenance, parenting plans, and all aspects of the dissolution process.

Under community property rules, all assets and debts acquired during the marriage are presumed to be owned equally by both spouses. However, the court has broad discretion to divide property in a "just and equitable" manner, which does not always mean 50/50. We advocate for a division that fairly reflects your contributions and circumstances.

We also handle complex divorce matters involving business valuations, retirement account divisions (QDROs), hidden assets, and high-net-worth estates. Whether your case can be resolved through negotiation or requires litigation, we pursue the outcome that best protects your financial future.

Washington uses parenting plans rather than traditional custody orders. We help you establish or modify parenting plans that address residential schedules, decision-making authority, dispute resolution, and relocation provisions that serve your children's best interests.

A parenting plan is a detailed document that governs where the children live, how major decisions are made (education, healthcare, religious upbringing), how disputes between parents are resolved, and how holidays and vacations are shared. Washington courts evaluate these plans based on the best interests of the child, considering factors such as each parent's relationship with the child, stability, and the child's emotional needs.

When one parent wishes to relocate with the children, Washington law requires proper notice and court approval. We handle relocation disputes, emergency custody motions, and international custody matters with the urgency and care these sensitive cases demand.

Washington state uses an income-shares model to calculate child support, meaning both parents' incomes are considered. Our attorneys handle establishment, enforcement, and modification of support orders, including complex situations involving self-employment, multiple households, and extraordinary expenses.

The Washington State Child Support Schedule provides a formula based on combined monthly net income and the number of children. However, deviations from the standard calculation are possible when children have special needs, when there are significant disparities in parenting time, or when extraordinary expenses exist.

When a parent fails to pay court-ordered support, we pursue enforcement through wage garnishment, contempt of court, tax refund interception, and license suspension. If circumstances have changed significantly — such as job loss, disability, or a substantial change in income — we help you seek a modification to ensure the amount remains fair.

We help victims of domestic violence obtain temporary and permanent protection orders through Washington courts. We also provide defense representation for those facing allegations, ensuring due process while prioritizing safety.

Washington offers several types of protection orders, including Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPOs), Anti-Harassment Orders, Sexual Assault Protection Orders, and Vulnerable Adult Protection Orders. Each serves different purposes and has different requirements. We help you determine which type of order is appropriate for your situation and guide you through the filing process.

For those facing domestic violence allegations, we provide vigorous defense while being sensitive to the serious nature of these cases. False or exaggerated allegations can arise during contentious divorces or custody disputes, and we work to uncover the truth while protecting your rights, your relationship with your children, and your reputation.

Life circumstances change. When they do, we help you petition for modification of existing custody arrangements, parenting plans, child support orders, and spousal maintenance based on substantial changes in circumstances.

Washington law requires a showing of a "substantial change in circumstances" to modify most family court orders. This might include a significant change in income, relocation, remarriage, changes in the child's needs, or concerns about the child's safety. We evaluate whether your situation meets the legal threshold and build a compelling case for modification.

Timing matters in modification cases. Waiting too long to seek a modification can weaken your position, while acting prematurely may result in a denial. We provide strategic advice on when and how to seek changes to existing orders to maximize your chances of success.

Many Washington family courts require mediation before trial. Our attorneys are skilled mediators and advocates who help families reach agreements that work for everyone, reducing conflict, cost, and the emotional toll of litigation.

Mediation allows you and your spouse to work together with a neutral third party to reach agreements on property division, parenting plans, child support, and other issues. It is typically faster, less expensive, and less adversarial than going to trial. Agreements reached in mediation tend to have higher compliance rates because both parties had a voice in creating them.

Our attorneys serve as both mediation advocates (representing you in mediation sessions) and as mediators (serving as the neutral facilitator). We are committed to finding solutions that protect your interests and your children's well-being while preserving family relationships whenever possible.