Seattle Divorce Lawyers

Divorce is undoubtedly one of life’s most stressful events, up there with the death of a loved one and moving. If you’re going through a divorce right now, please know that you’re not alone. We at The Seattle Divorce Lawyers at Petrelli Previtera, LLC understand the gravity of your situation and empathize with you greatly.

Our Seattle divorce lawyers know how topsy-turvy and emotional divorces tend to be. At that moment, nothing makes sense anymore, and the only thing you want is clarity, confidence, and peace of mind to move forward. That’s why we solely focus on attaining the best results for our clients quickly, efficiently, and with zero fuss. With decades of family law experience under our belts, we’re confident we’ve got what it takes to adequately protect your rights and those of your children.

Why Choose Us?

We’re an 5000 firm.
We are skilled negotiators in the same way that we’re resolute litigators. Above all else, we offer the best advocacy with the softest touch.
To say that our track record is impressive is an understatement. We’ve won hundreds of divorce cases and are looking to add yours to this rich collection.
We walk the talk. When we say we’ll get you your deserved compensation, we’ll do exactly that.
Our local experience is unrivaled. We know the inner workings of the King County Family Court like the back of our hand. Beyond that, we have a warm relationship with the local judges and can’t wait to put that knowledge to your advantage.

To find out if our team is right for you, feel free to schedule an initial consultation at 866-465-5395. We’re always available for a same-day consultation.

Putting Our Clients’ Need First

Being entangled in a divorce proceeding is far from a fanciful experience. On one side, emotions are running high, and both of you are likely struggling to maintain a cool head. On the other side, and perhaps more importantly, you’re facing the prospect of losing the three things that matter the most to you: your children, your property, and above all, your peace of mind.

Here at Petrelli Previtera, LLC, we can’t bear the thought of you losing your life while you’re still living it. That’s why we endeavor to provide client-focused, comprehensive, and reliable advocacy that’ll act as a springboard to a new, better chapter of your life.

To us, no two divorce cases are the same. Each one is invariably unique, and we won’t rest until we find a strategy that works best for you.

Part of our client-centered approach to resolving divorce in Seattle, WA, involves creating a custom plan for related issues of:

We also offer award-winning representation and legal guidance on other divorce-related issues, including:

No matter the complexity of your family law case, our Seattle divorce attorneys will see to it that it’s resolved to its successful completion. We’ll handle the dirty work with the defendant’s side while you concentrate on moving forward. Nothing gives us more joy than bringing a smile to the faces of our clients.

The Divorce Laws in Seattle, WA: The Fine Print

Residency Requirements for Divorce

The state of Washington does not have a requirement for meeting residency. There is no length of time for you to live in Washington to file a divorce. However, Washington imposes a waiting period before the court can grant the divorce.

The Waiting Period

Clients often ask, “How long will my WA divorce take?“. No matter how fast you want to resolve your divorce, Washington has a 90-day waiting period for a divorce to be finalized after your initial petition is filed. During this time, you can try to reach an agreement with your spouse regarding your divorce settlement. However, things can get a little tricky if you’re facing a contested divorce. In such a situation, the case will take even longer—anywhere from six to twelve months.

No Fault-Divorce

Like many other states, Washington is a “no-fault” divorce state. In other words, the court isn’t interested in knowing the behaviors of either spouse that caused the breakup.

For a divorce request to be granted in Seattle, WA, either spouse has to claim that there has been an “irretrievable breakdown of marriage” (meaning the relationship is beyond repair).

Community Property Laws

Washington is a community property divorce state, which means that any property acquired during the marriage belongs equally to both partners.

Going through the Divorce Process

You face quite a handful of steps in your quest to obtain a successful divorce in Seattle, WA. These include:

Getting and preparing Washington’s divorce forms
Completing the forms
Filing the divorce papers with the court
Serving your spouse
Signing and filing of the final documents

However, in the case of an uncontested divorce, the situation may involve a little more than both parties signing a few forms. If need be, you may have to go to trial, arbitration, or at least mediation, to try and hash things out. Depending on the amount of conflict, the court may subpoena financial records, interview friends and family, and more.

The divorce laws in Washington can often be confusing. So if you need further clarity on the dos and donts of these laws, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the award-winning Seattle divorce attorneys at Petrelli Previtera, LLC. We’re only a phone call away.

Seattle, WA Office
Phone: (206) 231-5789
2033 6th Ave, Seattle WA 98121

Seattle Divorce Lawyer Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Find the Best Divorce Lawyer for Me?

As human beings, we love it when life is good, but unfortunately, it can’t be perfect all the time. This is especially true when a marriage falls apart. Suddenly, you may find yourself filing for divorce and wanting to separate from your spouse as soon as possible. In these circumstances, choosing an attorney that’s best for you is incredibly important. Use the following tips to make the best choice.

Experience matters, but it’s not all the same. Years of working on mediation and collaborative law is not the same as courtroom experience fighting for those in the middle of contentious divorces. Find a lawyer with experience handling divorce cases like yours.

Ask for referrals. Ask around to see if anyone can offer details of their personal experience with the lawyer you’re considering. Family, friends, and workmates are a good starting point.

Do further online research. Search Google and Yelp to know whether the lawyer in question has good reviews and a strong reputation. Also, be sure to check the Washington State Bar Association to find out if they have a disciplinary record or formal complaints filed against them.

Look for compassion and attention to detail. A good attorney will be truly empathetic about your situation. They’ll carefully listen to your case, take the time to outline all possible options, and ultimately commit to helping you achieve the best possible outcome.

Don’t dismiss red flags. Poor reputation, inability to provide references, attitude problems, and lack of personal connection are all red flags that paint an attorney as rather untrustworthy and insensitive. If you notice any of these warning signs, choose another attorney.

Look for a Seattle Divorce lawyer that is comfortable with both settlement negotiation and litigation. A divorce attorney that can efficiently represent you in the courtroom and out of it is a great asset.

How Do I Modify a Support Agreement?

When you have a current child support order from the court, you cannot legally alter it without going to court. While at it, you’ll have to provide the documentation that supports your request for a modification.

Can I Really Be Divorced 90 Days After I File?

Technically, yes. However, the situation on the ground is quite different. Most divorce cases in Seattle, WA, take anywhere between 6 to 12 months to finish due to a number of different factors.

Do Both Parties Have to Be Living in Washington to File for Divorce There?

No. Only one party, the filing party, needs to be a resident of Washington State or a member of the armed forces stationed in the state.

Is Mediation Right for Me?

Any couple that wants to avoid a contentious court battle can benefit from mediation. As long as communication has not completely broken down between you and your spouse, mediation can be very successful.

What are the Cons of Having the Court Make Decisions for You?

While allowing the court to make decisions on your behalf offers a sense of finality, it also reduces your say in the final result, and significantly so. You’re putting your and your family’s future in someone else’s hands.

If you have particular goals in mind regarding your future, it’s best to discuss them with your Seattle divorce attorney. Ask whether going to court is the best way to achieve those goals, or if a different negotiation strategy might be more successful in achieving what you really need.

Can I Be Ordered to Pay for My Kid’s College in My Seattle Divorce?

The short answer to this question is “yes.” Under Washington state law, the court can order a divorced parent to pay for some or all of their child’s college expenses.

Get High-Caliber Seattle Divorce Attorneys in Your Corner

When you’re facing a tumultuous divorce battle, and the future seems uncertain, you need an attorney who’ll stop at nothing to get you the restitution you deserve. Petrelli Previtera, LLC has plenty of those.

Our firm has continually been recognized as one of the leading law firms in Seattle, WA, meaning we’re really good at what we do. Some of the accolades Thomas Petrelli Jr. and his team have garnered in the recent past include:

500 honoree (2019, 2020)
The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40
The National Advocates Top 100 Lawyers
Martindale-Hubbell’s Gold Client Champion 2017 Award

When you hire the Seattle divorce lawyers at Petrelli Previtera, LLC, you will not have to worry about having your case passed along to inexperienced attorneys or legal support staff. You will have an experienced litigator handling your case from start to finish. When it comes to divorce, there are no hoops in between that we can’t help you maneuver; no hurdles that we can’t help you jump.

Seeking for Answers? We Have Them.

Our legal team has decades of combined experience in handling divorce, support, and a slew of other family law cases. So if you have any questions, rest assured that we’ll answer them conclusively and to your satisfaction. Our promise to you is just one: to help you enter the next phase of your life with renewed hope and optimism. Why choose a losing path when you can win from the get-go?

We know that top-notch lawyers keep their clients out of family law court, but if trial is necessary, we’re experienced litigators who feel like the courtroom is our playground. Don’t wait. Reach out to our Seattle divorce attorneys today.

Seattle Divorce Lawyer