Family Law News

Service of an Attorney

Washington law does not require that the services of an attorney be used in dissolution proceedings. However, ending a marriage involves serious and complex legal and financial considerations. Along with serving as your advocate and negotiator, a lawyer knows the process to follow and which papers to file. Your attorney can advise you of your legal rights and obligations, can help reach settlement on disputes, and can represent you in enforcing your rights.

Among alternatives to having a lawyer represent each spouse are self-help guidebooks and mediation with the help of a trained professional. The costs — and consequences — of each option can vary significantly, so spouses should carefully consider the possibilities before proceeding.

Deciding which approach to follow and selecting a lawyer are personal matters. Each party has the right to use an attorney, so if one person elects not to, the other still can.

Costs and Payments

Lawyers set their own fees, so costs and payment arrangements may vary. An important factor in controlling costs is whether or not the parties agree to settlement. If matters are contested, the process is likely to be more expensive, since many attorneys base their fees on an hourly rate. The amount of time a lawyer must spend on a case will increase with the number of disputed issues, and with the complexity of the issues.

It is appropriate to discuss fees with a lawyer at the outset of a case. Your lawyer will be willing to explain the charges involved, including retainers and hourly rates, court costs, and payment or credit arrangements.

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	Did You Know?
	Child custody is an important family issue. Child custody is a term that refers to the bundle of rights and responsibilities that a parent carries with respect to his/her child. Child custody includes numerous concepts, some of which overlap and some that are distinct. Your family lawyer in your state can help you make these distinctions.