You want what is best for your family. However, when your partner or spouse disagrees, that can be when matters need to be handled by family law. Whether you are going through a divorce, a custody dispute, or any other family law issue, our experienced team is here to guide you. We will work to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family.
At Harbor Family Law, we believe in resolving family law matters through mediation and collaboration whenever possible. However, we are also prepared to advocate aggressively for your interests in court. Family law matters can be emotionally tense and complicated, so we commit to providing compassionate and effective legal representation for every one of our clients. Contact us today to set up a meeting to discuss how we can help you navigate your family law challenges.
Why You Should Choose the Family Law Attorneys From Harbor Family Law
With a deep understanding of Washington family law, we will work with you to create a tailored legal strategy that fits your lifestyle and goals. Our team of family law attorneys is committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation. We prioritize open communication and honesty to ensure you feel comfortable and informed throughout the process.
Our practice is well versed on collaborative law, which attempts to minimize conflict and achieve the best possible outcome for all parties involved. This does not mean that we back down from a fight but rather try to get to your best outcome through negotiation, mediation, and other dispute-resolution techniques. We aim to find amicable solutions that minimize conflict and protect your best interests. Whether at the negotiating table or advocating for your rights in court, we will work diligently to achieve the best possible outcome.
Choosing to work with a firm that focuses on family law helps ensure that knowledgeable attorneys and experienced negotiators represent your family’s issues. Our attorneys understand the intricacies of family law and will advocate for your best interests by skillfully negotiating settlements and other arrangements. Contact us today to learn more and get your questions answered.
Our Family Law Practice Areas in Gig Harbor, WA
Family law encompasses all legal issues that a family deals with. Whether you are dealing with creating a new family through adoption or need help with the dissolution of a marriage, our compassionate team of family law lawyers is here to help. Here is an overview of some of the family law areas we handle:
- Adoption and stepparent adoption
- Divorce
- Legal separation
- Dissolution of same-sex marriage or domestic partnership
- Child custody and parenting plans
- Negotiating child support
- Prenuptial and post-marital agreements
Adoption and Stepparent Adoption
Adoption is a wonderful way to build or expand a family. Whether you are considering adopting a new member of the family from a private adoption agency or foster care or you are formalizing your relationship with a stepchild through stepparent adoption, help from a family law lawyer can prove essential. With nearly two decades of experience, our founding attorney, Chris Maharry, is passionate about helping families grow.
In Washington State, anyone over 18 who is legally competent and passes the required assessments can adopt a child. There are no specific requirements regarding marital status, homeownership, or sexual orientation. The adoption process typically involves:
- Background Check: Assessing your suitability as a parent.
- Home Study: Evaluating your home environment and ability to care for a child.
- Financial Stability: Demonstrating the capacity to provide for a child’s needs.
- Potential Training: Completing necessary courses or training, such as foster parent training.
When couples blend families through marriage, they often dream of strengthening their bond by adopting their stepchildren. This loving gesture solidifies the child-parent relationship and ensures the child’s future security, including inheritance rights. We can help simplify the adoption process, address legal complexities, and provide support. Contact Harbor Family Law today to learn more about your options and how we can help you build your family.
Divorce and Legal Separation in Gig Harbor, WA
Just as Tolstoy said, “Every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way,” so every divorce situation is unique in the particular circumstances. Whatever situation you and your spouse are in, you can count on our guidance and support with factors like asset division, debt allocation, child custody and support, and spousal support. An experienced family law lawyer can help you navigate every step of your divorce, from initial consultation to final judgment.
Legal separation offers an alternative to divorce, allowing you to address marital issues and have space without immediately dissolving the marriage. Key aspects of legal separation include property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support. Should you determine that divorce is the right step for you, this may make the process simpler as the main aspects have already been agreed upon between you and your spouse.
Washington is a no-fault divorce state, meaning you do not need to prove marital misconduct, such as abuse or cheating, to file for divorce. This means you only need to establish that the marriage is irretrievably broken. This is typically done by filing a petition stating that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. Once you file the petition, the court will proceed with the divorce process, addressing issues like property division, child custody, child support, and spousal support. We aim to help you simplify and streamline the process so you can start on your new life, whatever that may look like.
Dissolution of Same-Sex Marriage or Domestic Partnerships
At Harbor Family Law, we understand the unique challenges and legal complexities faced by LGBTQ+ individuals during divorce or separation. Whether you are in a State Registered Domestic Partnership (SRDP) or same-sex marriage, our experienced family attorneys are here to provide compassionate and understanding legal representation tailored to your specific needs. Our goal is to provide you with the support and guidance you need to achieve a fair and equitable outcome, just as any other couple would.
Protecting Your Rights as a Parent
Divorce can be a tumultuous time, especially when children are involved. Protecting your parental rights is crucial to ensure the well-being and future of your child. By understanding the intricacies of child custody, parenting plans, and child support, you can make informed decisions and advocate for your child’s best interests.
Child Custody and Parenting Plans
Child custody is always a touchy subject, even when parents agree on most aspects. Emotions about your child or children understandably run high, and we know you want what’s best for them at the end of the day. At Harbor Family Law, we prioritize the best interests of the child while advocating for your rights as a parent.
Washington State recognizes two primary types of custody: joint or sole:
- Joint Custody: Both parents share legal decision-making responsibilities and physical custody time. This arrangement often involves a shared parenting plan that outlines specific schedules for the child’s time with each parent.
- Sole Custody: One parent is granted primary physical custody and legal decision-making authority. The other parent may have visitation rights, which can be determined through negotiation or court order.
Our Gig Harbor, WA, family law attorneys have extensive experience in handling a wide range of child custody cases, including those involving abuse allegations, substance abuse, relocation, complex parenting plans, and other challenges. We are dedicated to building strong cases and achieving favorable outcomes for our clients.
Negotiating Child Support
When parents divorce or choose to parent separately, negotiating child support can often become an issue. Fortunately, Washington State provides a standardized formula to calculate child support payments, taking into account factors such as:
- Calculation of incomes
- Special needs of the child involved
- Payment of health insurance
- Residential schedule of the child or children
- Payment of other expenses such as extracurricular or school activities
While this formula offers a solid starting point, every family’s situation is unique. Our family attorneys know from experience how to navigate negotiations even with a tense relationship between parents. In 2019, Washington State updated its child support laws to remove age-based limitations. If your divorce was finalized before the start of 2019, you may be eligible for an increase in child support payments.
When a parent fails to fulfill their child support obligations, it can have serious consequences for the child’s well-being. If you are struggling to enforce a child support order, our experienced family law attorneys can help. Consult with a Gig Harbor, WA, family attorney to learn more.
Prenuptial and Post-Marital Agreements
Prenuptial agreements, or prenups, are legal contracts that specify how assets and debts will be divided in case of divorce or death. Post-marital agreements, or postnups, attempt to do the same thing, although they are created after the marriage is legal. While not required by any law, prenups and post-marital agreements, especially those drafted by a family law attorney, can offer clarity and protection.
Why Consider a Prenup or Postnup?
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements can get a bad name through cultural references that portray them as cynical or unromantic, often associated with mistrust or fear of divorce. However, they truly can protect your relationship by ensuring that you are both on the same page regarding the details of life that can cause later arguments.
This can particularly benefit those with large assets or wealth, children from previous relationships, business owners, and those with significant debt. To ensure enforceability, both parties must enter into the agreement freely and knowingly.
- Protecting Assets: Preserve your wealth, particularly if you have substantial assets or a successful business.
- Addressing Debt: Manage existing debt and future financial obligations.
- Safeguarding Inheritance: Protect inheritance rights for children from previous relationships.
- Facilitating Divorce: A well-crafted agreement can streamline the divorce process, minimizing conflict and legal fees.
The Importance of Legal Counsel
To ensure your agreement is legally sound and enforceable, it is crucial to consult with a family law attorney from Harbor Family Law. A Gig Harbor family law lawyer can help:
- Draft a Comprehensive Agreement: Cover all relevant assets, debts, and potential future acquisitions.
- Ensure Enforceability: Adhere to legal standards and create a clear, unambiguous contract.
- Promote Fairness: Balance the interests of both parties and avoid unfair terms.
- Address Complex Issues: Handle situations involving significant wealth, business ownership, or children from previous relationships.
By seeking legal advice, you can create a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement that protects your rights and provides peace of mind. If you are considering a prenup or have a complex financial situation, consulting with a Gig Harbor, WA, a family lawyer can help you create a fair and legally sound agreement.
What to Look for When Hiring Gig Harbor, WA Family Lawyers
Determining the best fit for a family lawyer is an essential part of the process. You need someone who is a good personality fit, experienced, affordable, and in your area. Choosing a reputable lawyer who connects with your family’s specific needs is essential. The ideal outcome is one where families can navigate challenging times peacefully, whether by parting ways or finding a way to stay together.
Start by reviewing testimonials to see who is best recommended in your area and if any cases sound similar to yours. You can also meet with several family lawyers to determine who best suits your needs. Look for a law firm that approaches family law with empathy and seeks to foster understanding and resolution. Harbor Family Law uses a number of alternative dispute resolution techniques such as mediation, negotiation, and arbitration to avoid more adversarial resolution processes such as relying on the courts.
When hiring a Gig Harbor, WA, family law attorney, you should also consider the costs and the burden that could create on your family. Look for a firm focused on family law so their knowledge and experience will be most effectively used. At Harbor Family Law, we strive to keep our work efficient and keep cost sensitivity in mind. Contact someone from our office today to discuss our fee structure and how much your family law issue may cost you.
Contact our Gig Harbor, WA Family Law Lawyers Today for Help
Facing a family law issue in Pierce, Kitsap, or South King County? Our experienced Gig Harbor, WA, family attorneys are here to help. Schedule a consultation by contacting us through the form on our website or giving us a call. We will be sure to respond within 24 hours to discuss your specific needs and provide personalized legal advice. Let us help you navigate the legal process and build a better future.
