Looking Out For Our Clients Through Legal Separation

There are many reasons why legal separation would be more valuable for some people than a traditional divorce. Many of our clients have come to us for legal separation because their religious beliefs go against divorce. Others want to maintain their valuable medical insurance benefits that they would lose in a divorce. Whatever the reason, if you are considering a divorce or legal separation, it is important to work with an experienced, knowledgeable and detail-oriented lawyer who can help defend your interests.

Our founder, Ululani “Lani” Akiona, started practicing law in Hawaii and has been in Washington for many years. In that time, she has helped many couples in Everett and Snohomish County with the legal aspects of separation. Although she is no longer taking active cases, our excellent legal team at Akiona Law, PLLC, are focused on helping our clients with the best outcomes possible in their cases, and we make sure we are looking out for them during the process, as well. Call 425-740-2209 or contact us online to discuss your case. In addition to helping clients from the areas surrounding Everett, we also serve King County and Seattle.

Divorce and legal separation in Washington operate in nearly the same way. Both stop the accrual of community property the moment the petitions are filed and both establish child support, parenting plan and spousal maintenance. It takes six months from the date the petition for legal separation is filed and served on the opposing party to convert to a divorce decree. In contrast, it takes 90 days from the date the petition for dissolution is filed and served on the opposing party to enter a decree of dissolution.

Helping Resolve Complications With Mediation Or Collaborative Divorce

Although legal separation may seem a less harsh or drastic approach than a divorce, there are a number of issues that need to be dealt with in a legal separation just as they would in a divorce. Our team can help you through the numerous complications in separation, including:

• Dividing community property into separate property and assigning responsibility for community debt
• Child support
• Child custody/parenting plans
• Spousal maintenance/alimony
• Turning the separation decree into an official divorce decree (after six months)

Through our years of experience as Washington divorce and separation lawyers, we have found the mediation process to be a useful tool for many clients. Similar to a divorce, if parties approach mediation with the right attitude, it can help separating couples resolve their remaining issues efficiently and without the acrimony involved in traditional litigation. Collaborative divorce may also help you get through this process.

Contact A Snohomish Law Firm For Help With Separations

Our Everett office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and we can arrange other meeting times if needed. Call 425-740-2209 or contact us online to discuss your case.