Columbia Family Divorce Law Blog

Mediation is the most common form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). It is basically a settlement conference with a trained mediator.

Your divorce will bring significant changes to your life, and simply because your divorce is final does not mean that these changes will stop. In fact, you may find that your life continues to change to a point where it is difficult to adhere to the terms of your original divorce order — specifically, your parenting plan.

There are times in every family law case when you may want to make a settlement offer to avoid the high cost of trial, but are reluctant to do so out of concern that it could be used against you later on in the case. This dilemma often happens during mediation.

What should you do if your spouse or partner is making unreasonable demands? For example, what if your spouse demands 100% of all marital assets?

In most family law cases, at some point you will be required to schedule a mediation. The most common way this can happen is by a court order.

The least expensive way to get a divorce is for both parties to come to an agreement on all of the issues, fill out the court forms, sign them, and file a joint petition for divorce. The court’s filing fee is $314.

The fastest way to get a divorce is for both people to come to an agreement on everything and file a divorce petition divorce and joinder (legal agreement stating you are both on the same page). Both parties must agree on assets, debts, and spousal maintenance.

Divorce is never an easy process, even when two spouses resolve to work together to end their marriage amicably. If you and your spouse want to avoid the cost and contention often associated with a traditional divorce, you may consider one of the many options available to you for alternate dispute resolution.

You know that the decision to end your marriage will impact your entire family, including your children. The changes brought by divorce are sure to affect the kids, perhaps most of all, which is why many Washington parents take intentional steps to make sure they provide their kids with as much stability and security as possible during this time.

In the past, Washington courts tended to give preference to the mother when deciding which parent should have the children after a divorce. There was an assumption that the mother would provide the children with the highest quality of care, and dads would often receive minimal visitation opportunities – for example, alternate weekends.