If you find yourself filing or facing a divorce or legal separation, O’Loane Law Firm is here to support you while representing your best interests during this time.
Washington state is a no-fault divorce state. In other words, when a divorce is filed, no one is considered at fault for ending the marriage. You may file on your own as a sole petitioner, or in some cases, you and your spouse may petition jointly.
A legal separation is very similar to a divorce. A legal separation is permanent and can be the right choice for a couple if they do not want a formal divorce, but do want to legally separate their assets and debts.
In pursuing a divorce or legal separation, It is vital to work with an attorney who is in your corner and knows the local and state laws inside and out. At O’Loane Law Firm, we focus on divorce and legal separation filings and are here to make this difficult time easier.
A divorce or legal separation litigation typically follows four phases:
1. First, a Petition for Dissolution or Legal Separation is filed and served on the other person. The Snohomish County Clerk issues automatic civil restraints against both parties. Different from a Domestic Violence Protection Order, a Civil Restraining Order is a legal order designed to protect your assets, prohibit the cancelation of insurance, as well as stop the removal of your children from the state of Washington.
2. Then, a court hearing is held to determine temporary orders such as a parenting plan, order of child support, arrangements regarding assets and debts, and/or spousal maintenance/alimony.
3. Next, the process called “discovery” occurs in which legally relevant financial and individual information is gathered from both parties.
4. Finally, a settlement is reached in mediation or the case goes to trial.
Book a call with us to discover your options, work through your divorce or legal separation, and reach the best resolution possible.
An uncontested divorce is one in which couples have come to a firm agreement about how to divide their assets and debts as well as parent their children.
O’Loane Law Firm provides representation to one party and drafts all legal orders for both parties. In addition to what the orders do not cover, we provide assistance with dividing retirement accounts, avoiding the pitfalls of child support, and navigating parenting plans.
Starting at a $2,500 Fixed-Fee
This includes the drafting of all agreed final documents and one Qualified Domestic Relations Order for the division of one retirement asset.
Starting at a $3,000 Fixed-Fee
This includes the drafting of all agreed final documents – including an Order of Child Support and a Parenting Plan – and one Qualified Domestic Relations Order for the division of one retirement asset.
A family law attorney can help you navigate the often complicated process of divorce or legal separation while settling disputes and reducing your overall stress. By working with an attorney, you will have a legal partner at your side to represent your best interests.
If you are considering filing for a divorce or legal separation, you should reach out to an attorney as soon as possible in order to begin exploring your options and understanding your legal rights.
A divorce legally ends a marriage, while a legal separation is for couples who do not want a formal divorce but do want to legally separate their assets and debts and establish formal parenting and support arrangements.
The divorce process can range from three months to two years, depending on the complexity of the situation and the willingness of the two parties to come to an agreement. At O’Loane Law Firm, it is our goal to help you reach the best outcome without wasting your time and money.
The cost of a divorce depends on the complexity of your situation, the level of animosity, the amount of litigation, and the actions of your spouse and/or attorney. Outside of attorney’s fees, there are costs incurred including court filing fees and outside consultants and/or experts. Each case is different, but Michele will tell you during your consultation what her initial fee deposit is.
When a spouse files for divorce and the other does not want one, one can still be granted if the divorce papers have been served on them and they have failed to respond to the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage within the allotted time. A default order may then be procured and the divorce may proceed. Book a call with us today to receive expert legal support to protect your assets and resolve your situation in the best way possible.
A Civil Restraining Order is an order automatically issued when the divorce is filed. The restraining order protects your assets, prohibits the cancelation of insurance, and stops the removal of your children from the state of Washington. A Domestic Violence Protection Order prohibits your abuser from coming near you or contacting you and your children, as specified in the order.
With over 20 years of experience in family law, Michele O’Loane, and her team are here to help you through difficult situations.
We take an honest, direct to set realistic expectations for your case. By doing so, we can work together to reach the best resolution possible.
We believe in providing transparent pricing and flat-fee options to best serve our clients and their budgets.
Whether you need legal assistance from start to finish or help with a particular portion of your case, we use our flexibility to fit your needs.