Your Divorce And Family Law Ally For The Distance
If you are facing a divorce or any other family law problem, you likely have worries about your children, your finances and your future. With a strong legal advocate on your side, these issues are much easier to bear. Suddenly, impossible problems have solutions. Unanswerable questions become much clearer.
At Berner Law Group, PLLC, we provide clients with skilled, tenacious representation in a broad range of family law matters. With law offices in Everett, we help clients in Snohomish, King, Island, and Skagit counties, and throughout western Washington, with legal issues affecting their marriages, children and lives. We are here for the distance.
Full-Service Family Law Representation In Snohomish County
At our firm, an experienced attorney will work with you to resolve family law problems such as:
- Divorce: We protect your interests in all aspects of divorce, including spousal support (alimony) and the division of marital property. We have the experience and resources to handle the division of businesses, professional practices and high-asset marital estates.
- Child custody: Whether you are a parent facing divorce or an unmarried parent facing separation, we are here to protect your parental rights and the best interests of your children.
- Modifications: Circumstances change. If you need help seeking a modification of existing orders or wish to stop a modification that will adversely affect you, we can help.
- Paternity: Our attorneys represent mothers and putative fathers in paternity concerns.
- Military divorce: We can guide you through military family law issues involving military pensions, active duty, service of divorce documents and more.
- Domestic violence cases: If you are under threat of domestic violence or have been falsely accused, we can protect your rights and interests.
- LGBTQ+ family matters: Guiding you through same-sex divorce or a dissolution of a domestic partnership.
From complex asset division to sensitive custody conflicts, our firm provides the strategic advocacy and steady guidance necessary to manage every stage of your family law journey.
Resolving Family Law Disputes
Disputes over divorce, child custody and other family law problems are common. Finding satisfactory, cost-effective solutions, on the other hand, can be difficult.
Our firm is focused on resolving our clients’ legal needs in the most favorable, cost-effective manner possible. Our skilled attorneys know how to negotiate from a position of strength, often achieving our clients’ wishes without the need for a trial. They are also skilled at achieving results through mediation and arbitration. When the other party refuses to be reasonable, our lawyers are always prepared for courtroom litigation.
Divorce And Family Law FAQ
Here are answers to some common questions our clients ask about family law in Washington.
How Does A ‘Gray Divorce’ Impact Retirement And Social Security Benefits?
Washington is a community-property state, meaning most 401(k) and pension assets earned during marriage are divided equally. However, federal and state laws distinguish between community assets and separate property. You may qualify for Social Security benefits on your ex-spouse’s record if you were married for at least 10 years, provided you remain unmarried and meet federal age requirements.
Can Your Child Choose Which Parent To Live With In Washington State?
While children do not get the final say, courts must consider the wishes of a “sufficiently mature” child per Washington law. Judges typically consider the child’s preferences under the “best interests of the child” standard. A Guardian ad Litem (court investigator) is typically required to be appointed in such instances.
What Unique Challenges Are Involved In Military Divorces?
Military divorces are governed by the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA), which sets the rules for dividing military pensions. While your basic allowance for housing (BAH) counts as income when the court calculates child support or alimony, it isn’t an asset that can be split up like a bank account. We help ensure that your service and your family’s future are both respected.
Talk To A Lawyer Who Can Protect Your Rights
Family law issues can be difficult, but you don’t have to face them alone. We are here to guide you through the legal process and protect your rights. To schedule your initial strategy session with an experienced divorce and family law attorney in Everett, please call our law offices at 425-523-1110 or contact us online.