Legal Separation Lawyer WA State

Separation & Divorce Laws in Washington State

The lawyers at Beaty Hatch PC have extensive family law experience and can assist you with your legal separation case during what may be a stressful and emotional period of your life. We focus on the division of assets and debts, child support and child custody, Washington parenting plans, visitation rights, and spousal maintenance.

What is the Difference Between Legal Separation and Divorce?

A first step that spouses may take toward divorce is a legal separation. To have enforceable separation terms, you will need a legal contract or decree. You and your spouse may use the separation period to attempt to reconcile the marriage while living separately, or as a preliminary step toward a full divorce if reconciliation does not occur.

Some couples opt for a legal separation instead of a divorce for religious reasons. Others need to preserve health care coverage from one spouse's employment benefits for an ailing spouse.

If you are considering obtaining a legal separation or filing for divorce in the state of Washington, our lawyers are fully prepared to help with your case. Our Vancouver legal separation attorneys can advise you on ways to resolve child support, child custody and visitation rights, spousal maintenance (if any), and property division matters.

Mediation May Help You Find Answers You Need

Family law mediation can help you reach a workable agreement for legal separation, as well as for divorce. The divorce mediation process involves you, your spouse, and your legal representatives or mediator working together to come to a settlement that you can both agree on. The mediation process ensures that all opinions and concerns are represented and considered in a calm and appropriate manner.

A Parenting Plan to Include Child Custody & Visitation

In the state of Washington, parents involved in a divorce are required to present the court with a parenting plan that details custody and visitation rights concerning any children involved in the divorce. These issues, as well as child support, may also apply in a legal separation. We aim to protect the best interests of you and your children in constructing a parenting plan that works.

To further discuss your individual circumstances concerning your family law matter with a knowledgeable legal separation attorney in Vancouver, please call Beaty Hatch at (360) 566-6966. Or, if you prefer, fill out our web form for a quick response.