Spokane Family Lawyer
When you need the services of a family lawyer, you are usually undergoing some of life’s greatest challenges. Emotions can run high, so it is important to have an ally who understands the issues involved and can help navigate the decision-making process and advocate on your behalf in negotiations and all legal proceedings.
Divorce, child custody, adoption, and other family law matters can raise questions and cause worries, but when you work with a skilled family law attorney, you can rest assured that you have someone by your side who can provide answers and fight to secure your rights and reach your goals. Contact a Spokane family lawyer today and know that you are in capable hands.
Handling Family Law Issues
Relationships between family members are often complicated and can change without warning. Family law attorneys understand the complicating factors and how different areas of law often overlap in family law cases. In addition, he or she also understands the need for compassion, understanding, and discretion in family law matters.
Spokane family lawyers typically deal with several different issues pertaining to divorce such as the division of assets, spousal maintenance, child support, custody, and visitation. He or she can also assist with adoptions, and establish paternity, and can help with domestic violence issues. Family law is often also associated with wills, trusts, and other property arrangements involving family members.
Allocation of Property in Spokane
Washington State is a community property state, but that does not mean that property owned by the married partners is split equally during a divorce. Instead, courts attempt to divide property in an equitable manner that is considered just and fair. However, courts have a substantial amount of discretion in deciding what is fair in a case.
The economic situation of both parties plays a key role in this determination. Generally, the party with the smaller earning potential will receive the greater portion of assets. These marital assets include not only the house and vehicles, but also bank accounts, retirement benefits, stock options, and even frequent flier miles. In addition to dividing property, parties to a divorce must also allocate debts incurred during the marriage. It can be helpful to get in contact with the offices of a Spokane family lawyer for more information.
Other Considerations
Many of the factors courts use to divide assets and debts among the parties are similar to the factors used to determine whether to require one party to pay spousal maintenance to the other.
In addition to the economic condition of the parties, courts consider whether one party needs training or education to obtain appropriate employment, the age and physical condition of the spouse seeking alimony, the length of the marriage, and whether the paying spouse will be able to meet their own needs while also paying to support the needs of the spouse seeking support.
Statutes in Washington State no longer refer to custody and visitation rights of parents. Instead, issues that used to fall under these headings are now addressed in a parenting plan. Either through negotiation, mediation, or a trial, a plan will be developed that describes where the child or children will reside, how decisions will be made regarding the child’s welfare, and how future disputes between parents will be handled.
Contacting a Spokane Family Attorney
Family law issues are among the most difficult to address in the legal field. Because courts often have substantial discretion in making determinations in this area of law, it is important to ensure that all relevant evidence is presented clearly and fairly so your side of the story can be given full consideration.
Sometimes, matters can be settled without the necessity of a trial, which saves time, money, and can reduce stress and contention. Even if matters are settled out of court, however, it is wise to talk to a Spokane family lawyer who can attempt to make sure your needs will be met.
