How does your flat fee pricing system work?
To better serve our clients, Affordable Family Law Center offers an inexpensive pricing plan, making it easier for you to have a qualified attorney help protect your rights. This flat fee system applies to agreed or amicable divorces, temporary orders for parenting plans, child support cases, maintenance cases, settlement conferences and trials. The fee system is customizable to your needs in many circumstances. We also offer free initial consultations over the phone so you don’t have to waste your precious time coming into the office.
What is the difference between a flat fee and a retainer?
In general terms, retainers are non-refundable partial fees paid upfront when the attorney agrees to take on your case. A flat fee is a one-time, upfront cost for handling your entire case, regardless of how much time the attorney will spend on it. While flat fees won’t change over time because you pay for everything up front, retainer contracts give lawyers flexibility to charge you more down the road. This is why Affordable Family Law Center uses flat fees rather than retainers for all amicable divorces, child support, maintenance, temporary orders for parenting plans, settlement conferences and trials. We proudly offer comparable and quality representation at a price you can afford, because we know your fiances are important.
Which areas of family law does Affordable Family Law Center cover?
The lawyers at Affordable Family Law Center focus mainly on divorce, child custody and child support cases. We are also very adept and experienced with relocation, or the legal processes involved when one parent decides to take up residence in another state. Whatever the case presented to us, our main goal is to handle it professionally and minimize the emotional damage for everyone involved. When you call us, you’ll be confident that you are choosing the right attorney for your case at the best possible price. Learn more about our areas of practice on our Family Law page, or get set up with a free phone consultation by calling (360) 695-6000.
Can I hire you for just a part of my case?
Yes. Affordable Family Law Center works to make the lives of our clients easier, no matter how long or short we’re needed. If you only require assistance with a section of your case, we can help. If you want a skilled attorney to stand by you every step of the way, we will do that too. Our job is to protect the rights of our clients, and we work hard to give the same level of quality legal counsel regardless of the amount of time they spend with us.
What is relocation?
Relocation in family law terms is when one parent with custody decides to move across state lines and wishes to take the child or children with them. While parents have a legal right to relocate, the situation becomes more complicated when shared children and visitation plans are in place. The lawyers at Affordable Family Law Center have efficiently handled many relocation cases in Washington, and can help you navigate the laws regarding you or your former partner’s relocation.
Do I need to give my children’s other parent notice if I plan to move out of state with them?
Washington state laws may require you to take certain steps before you move if you have legal custody of your child or children. If there is a court order for visitation with the other parent, you must give notice of your move in writing or by phone, generally at least 60 days in advance. The other parent then has 30 days to file an objection, if desired. If you don’t give proper notice or move before the 30-day waiting period is up, you run the risk of being held in contempt of court. Relocation laws are complicated, and are best discussed with a knowledgeable Washington family law attorney. Call Affordable Family Law Center today to speak with a qualified relocation lawyer.
My children’s other parent is threatening to move away with them. What do I do?
Relocations within the same school district are usually unobjectionable, though a modified parenting plan may be in order. For custodial parents who request relocation outside school districts or across state lines, the objecting parent may file an Objection to Intended Relocation with the courts within 30 days of the given notice.
What is the divorce process in Washington state?
To begin the divorce process, one spouse must file a Summons and a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the courts. A joint petition without a summons may be filed if both spouses agree on the divorce. Proposed parenting plan documents and child support spreadsheets may also be required when filing. Unless the petition is filed jointly, all documents must be served to the other spouse, usually by a third party. The responding spouse typically has between 20 and 60 days to reply to the petition in writing. Temporary court orders are then arranged by either spouse to guide the rest of the divorce process.
Is there a waiting period to finalize a divorce in Washington?
Yes. The waiting period to finalize a divorce in Washington is 90 days minimum, not including the time prior to filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage or other required documents. This period is intended to give time for reconciliation and negotiation between both parties and to ease the process of reaching an agreement about the terms of the divorce.
Do I need a divorce lawyer?
You have the right to divorce without the assistance of an attorney, but it’s not recommended. When you hire a skilled divorce lawyer for your case, you are putting experience in your corner when it comes to securing the terms you want. Divorce rarely goes the way both parties want, and no lawyer can guarantee results. But by enlisting the help of an attorney, you have a better chance than you would if you faced the divorce alone. Call the lawyers at Affordable Family Law Center to discuss your situation. Your initial phone consultation is always free.
