Litigation

You may not choose to litigate; sometimes the choice is made for you. 

Going to court can be necessary but it can also be unpredictable. Preparation, skill, and attention to detail are crucial for a good outcome. Judicial officers have many cases every day and knowing how to present a case takes experience.

Generally divorce cases go to court for two things: temporary orders and final orders. Temporary orders are issued when you file your case and those orders tell you who is paying what bills, using what property and awarding temporary financial support, and issuing a temporary parenting plan.  Final orders conclude your case and are the result of a trial.

A divorce proceeding can last up to a year- and in some counties even longer. Temporary orders can give one party a reason to not settle your case earlier if the terms are favorable to them. It is important to have experienced representation. With experience litigating in King, Pierce, Kitsap and Thurston counties, we can help you through this process. And sometimes, having a good litigator on your side can also be a powerful catalyst for the other side to reach an agreement outside of court.