In the beginning of the divorce process there is almost always a breakdown of previously established trust between the divorcing spouses. At Harbor Family Law, our clients are seeking both the protection of their rights and someone they can rely on to guide them through what can be a very difficult, and at times, overwhelming process.
At Harbor Family Law we will strive for an amicable resolution to divorce cases to save our clients the emotional and financial strain that can accompany a contentious divorce. Unfortunately, amicable resolutions are not always possible. In the event we cannot work with the other party for an agreed resolution, we will vigorously litigate on behalf of our clients to ensure their rights are fully protected and they experience the best possible result.
The Divorce Case
Divorce is a legal process wherein one spouse asks the court to dissolve their marriage. It is synonymous with dissolution of marriage. The divorce process can involve many important considerations, such as:
- The division of all assets belonging to the parties
- The division of all debts owed by the parties
- Spousal support (maintenance)
- Custody of any minor children
- Child support for any minor children
- Payment of post-secondary educational expenses for children
- Any necessary restraining orders
- Payment of attorney’s fees
No two situations are the same, and there is no universal formula that can be applied to any given case to determine an appropriate result. Because of this, it is very important to have an experienced attorney on your side to make sure all issues are resolved, and all rights are protected.
At Harbor Family Law, we will fully explain the process, and what you can reasonably expect as you go through the divorce process at our in initial consultation. Of course, the process can be unpredictable at times, but we always keep our clients completely informed to limit the impact of any surprises. We handle all aspects of the case, from communicating with the court and the opposing party, to acquiring information and documentation from third parties (if necessary), and appearing in court on behalf of our clients.
Litigation can involve the filing of motions for temporary orders, which may cover things like the use of property, payment of debts, spousal support, residential schedule for children and child support. Litigation also involves discovery, which may include the use of interrogatories and request for production of documents, depositions, subpoenas, motions to compel the other party to comply with the discovery process, if applicable, and pre-trial conferences. Most divorce cases resolve by agreement, but if that is not possible, the last stage of litigation is trial. At Harbor Family Law we have extensive trial experience and can effectively represent you in a trial.
Managing Your Divorce Case in A Cost-Effective Manner
We focus our practice exclusively on family law. This narrow focus has allowed us to develop not only extensive knowledge in the area of family law, but also business practices making us as efficient as possible. In turn, this keeps our clients’ costs to a minimum while maintaining a high level of representation. We cannot guarantee the cost of fees involved in any legal case; however, all our work is performed with the goal of being effective and efficient.
Experience on Your Side
Chris Maharry has been practicing family law in the South Sound since 2003 and brings nearly two decades of experience representing clients in all aspects of divorce. We understand that divorce will result in significant changes in the lives of all family members. It not only impacts parties financially, but it also impacts the emotional wellbeing of all involved, including children. It is our goal to bring our clients through the process with efficiency, effectiveness, compassion and cost-sensitivity.
Area of Coverage
We serve clients in divorce cases throughout the Pierce, Kitsap, and South King County areas.