Legal Separations in the State of Washington
If you need to speak with a Washington attorney about the process of obtaining a legal separation, the Andrew Kim Law Firm, PLLC can help. We represent people throughout the Seattle metro area in a wide range of family law matters, including legal separations. If you decide later in the process that you want to get a divorce, we handle divorce cases as well.
To help people learn more about their rights and options, we offer a free consultation and case evaluation. To schedule a consultation at our law office in Bellevue or Tacoma, Washington, contact us.
What Is a Legal Separation and How Is It Different From a Divorce?
A divorce, unlike a legal separation, is a final end to the marriage relationship. Once a person obtains a divorce, that individual is free to marry a new husband or wife. People who are legally separated are still married and may not remarry.
There are, however, many similarities between a legal separation and a divorce in the state of Washington. When married couples obtain a legal separation, a Washington court will divide personal property, issue an order relating to the custody of any children the parties may have and issue an order for child support if the parties have children. The court also has the ability to hear a claim for spousal maintenance (sometimes called alimony).
Husbands and wives may develop their own agreement regarding division of property, child custody, visitation, spousal maintenance and child support. Unless the court finds the agreement of the parties to be wholly unacceptable and unreasonable, the court will generally issue an order in conformity with the parties' agreement. In cases in which the parties are unable to reach an agreement, a trial will take place at which time the court will hear testimony and receive evidence.
Having an attorney to guide you through the process and advise you of your rights is an important first step to safeguarding your financial and parental rights. If you need to speak with a lawyer about a legal separation, we encourage you to contact our law office for assistance.
Contact Us
To contact our law office in Bellevue, Washington, call 425-289-1990. To contact our law office in Tacoma, Washington, call 253-682-2000. You may contact either of our Washington law offices toll-free at 800-636-3676. For assistance online, contact us by e-mail.
