DIVORCE LAWYER IN OLYMPIA, WA

Understanding Divorce in Washington State

Washington is a no-fault divorce state, meaning you don’t need to prove wrongdoing to end a marriage. You simply state that it’s irretrievably broken, as per RCW 26.09.030. This simplifies things, but details like child custody, property division, and support still require careful handling. As family law attorneys in Olympia, WA, we frequently encounter cases influenced by local factors, such as military families near Joint Base Lewis-McChord or high-net-worth individuals with complex assets.

Divorce isn’t just a legal matter; it’s personal. We’ve helped numerous clients make smooth transitions, reducing stress for everyone involved, especially children. If you’re looking for a “divorce lawyer near me in Olympia,” our team at Morgan Hill PC combines compassion with expertise to create strategies tailored to your specific situation.

The Divorce Process in Olympia, WA

Filing for divorce in Washington involves several steps, and timelines can vary depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested. Here’s a breakdown to help you prepare:

1. Initial Consultation and Preparation: Meet with a divorce attorney in Olympia, WA, to review your case. We’ll assess assets, debts, and any child-related issues. Gather documents such as financial statements, marriage certificates, and prenuptial agreements, if applicable.
2. Filing the Petition: One spouse files a Petition for Dissolution in Thurston County Superior Court. The filing fee is approximately $300-$ 400, and residency requires at least one spouse to be a resident of Washington. Under RCW 26.09.010, this starts the process.
3. Serving Papers: The non-filing spouse is served, with 20 days to respond. If uncontested, you can proceed jointly.
4. Discovery and Negotiation: Exchange financial info and negotiate terms. Mediation is encouraged in Olympia to avoid trials. It’s faster and less costly.
5. Court Hearings and Finalization: If agreed, submit a settlement for approval. Contested cases may need hearings or a trial. The final decree is issued after a 90-day waiting period from the filing/service date.

In Thurston County, cases typically resolve within 3-6 months for uncontested matters and up to 12 months or more for contested matters. As your Olympia divorce lawyer, we’ll streamline this to reduce delays.

For more on related services, visit our child custody page or property division resources.

Types of Divorce We Handle

At Morgan Hill PC, we specialize in various divorce scenarios common in Olympia:

• Uncontested Divorce: Quick and amicable when both agree on terms. Ideal for couples without kids or major assets. Often resolved in months.
• Contested Divorce: When disputes arise over custody, support, or property. We strongly advocate in court, citing RCW 26.09.080 for equitable division.
• High-Asset Divorce: Protecting complex finances like businesses, investments, or retirements. Our attorneys in Olympia, WA, collaborate with experts to ensure fair valuations.
• Military Divorce: Special rules under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act for JBLM personnel, including pension division.
• Gray Divorce: For couples over 50, focusing on retirement, alimony (RCW 26.09.090), and long-term security.

Regardless of the type, our goal is a resolution that allows you to move forward. Check our legal separation page if divorce isn’t immediate.

Costs and Timelines for Divorce in Thurston County

Divorce costs in Olympia vary. Uncontested divorces may start at $2,500 in attorney fees, plus a $300 filing fee; contested divorces can exceed $ 10,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the need for trials. Factors include complexity, mediation (starting at $1,000), and expert fees (e.g., appraisers).

Timelines: A mandatory 90-day wait, but the full process averages 4-12 months. In Thurston County, court backlogs can add time. Our local knowledge helps speed up things for you.

We offer transparent pricing without surprises. For modifications post-divorce, see our order modification details.

Key Issues in Divorce Cases

Divorce often involves intertwined matters. Here’s how we address them:

• Child Custody and Parenting Plans: Prioritizing the child’s best interests under RCW 26.09.002. We create balanced plans covering visitation and decision-making. Link to child custody attorney services.
• Child Support: Calculated via Washington’s schedule (Chapter 26.19 RCW), based on income and time. We ensure accuracy. Explore our child support page.
• Spousal Support (Maintenance): Temporary or long-term based on need and duration (RCW 26.09.090). Common in unequal-earning marriages.
• Property Division: Equitable split of community property (RCW 26.09.080). We protect your assets. Details on our property division page.
• Domestic Violence Concerns: Immediate protection orders (Chapter 7.105 RCW). Safety first. Visit domestic violence resources.

We also handle prenuptial agreements (postnuptial agreements) (RCW 26.09.070) and paternity cases if needed (Chapter 26.26A RCW).

Why Choose Morgan Hill PC as Your Divorce Attorney?

In Olympia, WA, our divorce attorneys stand out with local expertise in Thurston County courts. We’re not just lawyers; we’re advocates who understand the judges and procedures, helping you save time and reduce stress. Clients value our straightforward approach: no jargon, just results. Take John (name changed): Facing a contested divorce with custody issues, we mediated a fair plan, avoiding trial and maintaining co-parenting. Stories like his motivate us. We’re dedicated to education, linking to resources like RCW codes, and our blog offers WA divorce tips. With a 4.6 Google rating, you can trust us with your case.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Don’t let divorce overwhelm you. Get the support you deserve from a reliable divorce attorney in Olympia, WA.

Schedule your consultation today at (360) 357-5700 or click here to book one online. Your path to resolution starts here.