How do I schedule an appointment?
Call us at  206-447-7745 or send an email to ilam@stellapittslaw.com. The receptionist will set up a time for you to speak to one of  our attorneys. At the same time, the receptionist may ask some questions to determine what kind of issues are concerned.

What do I need to bring to an appointment?
If you have been served with legal papers or pleadings, bring those. If you are already divorced and concerned about issues involving your existing divorce decree, parenting plan or child support order, bring copies of those pleadings. If there are issues involving financial matters and you have relevant income and expense statements for your household, bring those. Do not worry, though, if some of these documents are unavailable, as they can usually be found later.

How long will it take me to get a divorce?
In Washington State, a divorce can be completed within 90 days of filing. If one party objects to provisions, matters may not be resolved on a permanent basis until trial, which can be up to 18 months after filing.  However, prior to trial, temporary orders can provide temporary solutions to immediate problems regarding parenting, child support, property distribution, restraining orders and spousal maintenance (alimony).

Do we have to go to court? Aren’t there alternatives, like mediation and arbitration?
Eventually, a divorce decree will need to be signed by a judge, along with a parenting plan and child support order, if minor children are involved. However, through mediation, or simply negotiation between parties, the couple getting divorced can agree between them on the provisions of the divorce decree and other orders. Once agreement is reached, and both parties sign the pleadings, only one of the two spouses needs to go to court to get the papers signed by a judge or commissioner, a relatively quick process. Our firm can assist in mediation or settlement negotiations or suggest other means of resolving the matters outside of court.

How much will my divorce cost?
The amount of legal fees depend on the complexity of the case. Where there is a large amount of property for distribution or conflict over child custody or child support, the costs will be higher. The fee for a consultation, including an hour of time, is $200. After this consultation, an estimate of the expected amount of fees can be provided. You will be asked to deposit a retainer against which fees can be withdrawn at a later time. In Washington, where one spouse has need, legal fees can be requested from the other spouse during the divorce if the other spouse has an ability to pay.