Divorce For Men

Frequently Asked Questions


These answers should in no way be construed as legal advice. For more in-depth and personalized information, give us a call at 1 (800) DIVORCE or fill out a free case review online. Our managing attorney will look at the details, assess your situation, and give you your options over the phone free of charge.

How is Child Support Calculated?

Washington’s Child Support Schedule follows a standardized formula.

Like a math equation, you plug in numbers and come up with a presumptive amount.

The court uses this formula to definite its terms, lay out the specifics, and come up with the final amount.

A number of factors figure into the final amount, including income, level of need, expenses, the residential schedule, and more.

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What Is Child Support?

Child support payments are intended to cover the cost of food, shelter, clothing, medical care, and any other necessities associated with raising a child.

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Can I Modify Child Support Payments?

You can seek to modify child support payments after the fact if you can demonstrate a significant change in circumstances. This is, however, often difficult to accomplish.

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What Is A Child Support Adjustment?

Support ADJUSTMENT can be sought when there are known changes to income of the parents and at least two years have passed since the last Support Order was entered.

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When Do Payments End In Washington State?

In Washington, child support payments typically last until a child turns 18 or graduates high school, whichever comes later. There are, however, circumstances where they continue.

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Who Pays For College?

Post-secondary child support covers a child’s continuing education. Either parent can file for it, but you must petition the court prior to the child’s 18th birthday or graduation.

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How Do You Ensure Child Support Accountability?

Just because the court orders child support doesn’t mean your ex will pay it. Fortunately, if they don’t, there are steps you can take to protect yourself.

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How Does Division Of Property Work In Washington State?

Community property means that the courts view all property, assets, and debts acquired during a marriage as belonging to both spouses.

This doesn’t mean you share everything 50/50. Property equally acquired is subsequently equally distributed in divorce, in a fair, equitable fashion.

Separate property, like an inheritance, gifts, or anything owned before marriage, belongs to one spouse or the other.

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How Does The Court Divide Debt?

The court generally views all debts accrued during the marriage as the equal responsibility of both spouses, but there are exceptions.

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How Much Does A Divorce Cost?

Average cost of divorce in Washington is roughly between $10,500-$12,000, and $15,500 with children. In a divorce where spouses can work together, it's substancially cheaper.

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How Is Spousal Support Calculated in Washington State?

With no uniform criteria, individual judges use a list of factors to decide whether to award spousal support, the amount of these payments, and the duration.

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Can You File For Bankruptcy During Divorce?

In Washington, you have to file either before or after divorce. You can’t file during the process. If you’re in the process of ending your marriage and begin bankruptcy proceedings, you can’t finalize the divorce.

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How Is Your House Treated In A Divorce?

There are three common methods for determining the property’s value: the tax assessed value, an appraiser, or an evaluation by a realtor.

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What Are Considered Assets In A Divorce?

Almost everything. This includes things you may not think of, such as airline miles, books, appliances, alcohol, a professional degree, and your sauce packet drawer.

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When Shold You Hire A Divorce Attorney?

You can legally represent yourself in divorce, the law doesn’t require you to hire a lawyer.

However, having representation on your side is in your best interests.

Even in relatively straightforward cases, divorce can become complicated in a hurry.

An experienced divorce lawyer can guide you through the process and keep you from making costly mistakes.

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What Are The Steps To Filing For Divorce?

The basic steps are simple: Fill out and file the forms, serve your spouse, hash out the details, then sign the final documents. Here’s a guide how to file.

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What Are The Advantages Of Filing For Divorce First?

While the spouse who files for divorce first does get the ball rolling, that doesn’t always give you the lead. Each option comes with its own positives and negatives.

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How Does Divorce Mediation Work?

Mediation is when both spouses meet with a third party in an attempt to negotiate a mutually agreeable divorce settlement.

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What's In A Divorce Decree?

A divorce decree represents the court’s final ruling. On a practical level, it grants the dissolution of marriage and lays out the basic information regarding the split.

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Pro Se Divorce: Can You Represent Yourself?

The right to represent oneself has existed since before the Constitution. A litigant can take this path in any type of legal case, but it’s become especially common in divorce.

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Can You Get Divorced If You Can't Find Your Spouse?

Yes. In Washington, you need to initiate a case with the courts. This is the first step no matter the situation. It’s the next step where things become more complex.

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Have questions about divorce, child custody, support payments or family law? We have answers. Phone questions answered by our managing attorney for free!