Divorce FAQ

Are you considering divorce, or has your spouse served you with divorce papers? Either way, you probably have a lot of questions about the divorce process in Washington and how to get through it without sacrificing all of your time and money.

At Berner Law Group, PLLC, we take pride in giving our clients the information they need in clear language. Here, we’ve provided answers to some common divorce questions we receive from individuals considering a divorce in Everett and Snohomish County.

Do I Have To Give My Spouse Half Of My Assets?

In Washington, asset division must be “just and equitable,” which does not always mean a 50/50 split. While we start with the presumption that community property is shared, the court considers your financial needs, the length of the marriage and your future earning potential to reach a fair and sustainable outcome.

Will I Have To Testify In Court?

It is unlikely. Like most civil court matters, the vast majority of divorces get settled before trial. The chances of your divorce ending up going to trial increase if you have complex assets to divide, such as a small business, or if custody is greatly disputed. Another risk factor is when one or both spouses drag out the proceedings to “get back” at each other. When both spouses can negotiate matters such as property division and child custody calmly and in good faith, a trial is rarely necessary.

If You Have More Questions, Our Lawyers Have The Answers

For answers to more divorce-related questions, contact Berner Law Group, PLLC, at 425-523-1110 to schedule an initial strategy session. Our office is in downtown Everett, and we serve clients throughout western Washington.