Divorce Attorney Vancouver WA

Washington State Uncontested & Contested Divorce

Divorce cases involve a wide range of issues and factors that are often very personal and highly emotional. Some are relatively simple and straightforward, while others are more complex and contentious. At Beaty Hatch PC, our divorce attorneys in Vancouver help clients through the divorce process and look out for their best interests.

Our Vancouver divorce lawyers represent clients in all types of divorce situations, including:

• Uncontested divorce
• Contested divorce
• Collaborative divorce
• High-net-worth divorce
• Military divorce

Legal Representation for All Types of Divorce

Making the decision to divorce is often difficult. When there is a lot of conflict, the process can be even more emotional and difficult. Our Vancouver WA divorce lawyers have more than two decades of experience representing clients in everything from simple, uncontested divorces with no children to highly complex cases involving custody disputes, high net worth situations, business ownership, and many assets.

Certain situations, such as when one partner is a member of the military, one spouse has significant separate assets, or a couple owns a successful business together, require an attorney with the right knowledge and experience. Our two decades of experience has provided us with extensive knowledge of the law and how to handle unique and complicated situations such as a military divorce in Washington state.

Divorce Process in Washington State

Generally, the process for divorce in Washington State goes as follows:

1. The divorce process begins with completing the necessary forms
2. Filing the forms with the court
3. Serving your spouse with the divorce papers
4. This is followed by a 90-day waiting period
5. After the 90-day period concludes, the judge will finalize the divorce

The process is easier and faster when both parties agree to the major issues, and it is more complex when there are disputes. Our divorce lawyers in Vancouver are skilled and zealous advocates for your best interests, regardless of the complexity of your case.

Contested vs Uncontested Divorce in Washington State

For those interested in filing for an uncontested divorce, they must first agree to every term of the divorce. These terms include issues such as custody, visitation, spousal support, etc. Keep in mind, they do not have to agree to the terms immediately, remedies such as divorce mediation can help resolve a lot of the disagreements.

If both parties cannot come to a mutual agreement, then a contested divorce may be filed. Contested cases must be presented in trial before a judge so that things such as property division may be awarded.

Uncontested Divorce: Pros & Cons

• Pro – they are less expensive and less time-consuming
• Con – one spouse can have a disproportionate advantage over the other
• Pro – disputes are minimized, and relationships are not destroyed
• Con – can quickly become complicated if state laws are not understood
• Pro – assets are split more evenly
• Con – the amount of paperwork can add up
• Pro – more private, your divorce can remain confidential to the public
• Con – can quickly become complicated and costly if disputes surrounding minor children arise

Best Candidates for an Uncontested Divorce

• Couples with no minor children
• Fewer assets and debts to divide
• Couples who have an amicable relationship

The Waiting Time of an Uncontested Divorce

On average, it can take up to 90 days to complete. This may vary if certain issues are not 100% agreed upon.

Can You Date While Getting Divorced?

Since Washington is a no-fault divorce state, you can date even which technically married. This means that the courts will not charge you for adultery while you are in the process of divorce. Keep in mind, there may be indirect implications of your dating that you may not want to leak into your case.