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LEGAL SEPARATION ATTORNEY IN OLYMPIA, WA

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Legal Separation Lawyer in Olympia, WA - Guidance for Your Separation

If you are considering separating from your spouse in Olympia, WA, an experienced legal separation attorney can help you navigate the process while protecting your rights and interests. At Morgan Hill P.C., our dedicated legal separation lawyers in Olympia guide clients through the process of dividing assets, establishing child custody arrangements, and determining support under Washington state laws, without dissolving the marriage. Serving Thurston County courts, we provide compassionate support for this alternative to divorce. Contact us today at (360) 357-5700 or click here to book online and schedule a consultation to explore your options.

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Differences between legal separation and divorce in Olympia, WA

Legal separation attorney services in Olympia, WA, allow married couples to live apart and resolve financial and family matters through a court order, while remaining legally married. Governed by Chapter 26.09 RCW, this process addresses similar issues as divorce, such as property division and child support, but preserves marital status for reasons like health insurance, religious beliefs, or tax benefits.

In Thurston County, legal separation is ideal for couples unsure about permanent dissolution or needing time to reconcile. Courts require proof that the marriage is irretrievably broken, similar to no-fault divorce grounds under RCW 26.09.030. Our attorneys help ensure agreements are fair and enforceable.

While both processes divide assets and establish parenting plans, key differences include:

  • Marital Status: Legal separation maintains the marriage; divorce ends it.
  • Remarriage: You cannot remarry during separation.
  • Benefits: Separation often preserves military or health benefits.
  • Conversion Option: Separation can convert to divorce after six months per RCW 26.09.150.

For Olympia couples, separation may suit those with shared pensions or insurance. Explore our divorce page for comparisons.

Filing with a legal separation lawyer in Olympia involves:

  1. Petition Filing: Submit to Thurston County Superior Court, citing irretrievable breakdown.
  2. Service: Notify your spouse.
  3. Response: Spouse has 20-60 days to respond.
  4. Negotiation/Discovery: Exchange financial info; mediate if needed.
  5. Hearing: Court approves agreement after 90-day wait.

People often ask: How long does legal separation take in Washington? Typically 3-6 months for uncontested cases.

Agreements cover:

We handle complexities like domestic violence impacts under RCW 26.09.191.

Filing fees are around $300; attorney costs range $2,000-$5,000 for uncontested, higher for contested. Timelines: 90-day minimum wait, 4-12 months total. Factors include disputes or mediation.

After six months, either spouse can petition to convert under RCW 26.09.150, without refiling. This flexibility benefits Olympia clients testing separation.

With a 4.6 aggregate review score on Google from 230 reviews, Morgan Hill P.C. offers skilled representation in Thurston County legal separations. Our team focuses on amicable resolutions and personalized plans.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is legal separation in Washington state?

A: Legal separation in Washington state is a court-ordered arrangement that lets couples live apart while still being married, sorting out things like property division, all covered under Chapter 26.09 RCW.

Q: How does legal separation differ from divorce in Olympia?

A: The big difference is that legal separation keeps you married, while divorce ends the marriage. Both handle asset division based on RCW 26.09.080. You can learn more about divorce on our divorce page.

Q: Do I need a lawyer for legal separation in Thurston County?

A: It’s not a must, but we’d strongly suggest getting a lawyer, especially for complex cases in Thurston County, to make sure everything is handled fairly.

Q: How long does legal separation take in WA?

A: You’re looking at a minimum of 90 days, though uncontested cases typically wrap up in 3-6 months.

Q: Can legal separation include child custody?

A: Yes, it absolutely can, with custody decisions made based on the child’s best interests as outlined in RCW 26.09.002. Check out our child custody page for more insights.

Q: What are the costs for legal separation in Olympia?

A: You’re looking at a filing fee of around $300, with attorney fees generally ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, depending on the details.

Q: Can I convert a legal separation to a divorce later?

A: Yes, you can turn it into a divorce after six months, as allowed under RCW 26.09.150.

Q: Does legal separation affect spousal support?

A: Definitely, courts can award spousal maintenance during separation, governed by RCW 26.09.090. You can find more on our spousal support page.

Q: Is legal separation reversible in Washington?

A: Yes, it’s good to know that couples can reconcile and reverse the separation without needing to go back to court.

Q: How is property divided in legal separation?

A: Property is divided equitably during legal separation, following RCW 26.09.080. Dive deeper into this on our property division page.

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