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Washington State Divorce Law
Washington State divorce attorney Laurie G. Robertson is an experienced WA state divorce and family law lawyer who serves clients in Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia.
The complexities of Washington State divorce law.
In many Washington State divorce cases, there are few certainties at the onset. If the parties are unable to agree on central issues such as child custody, child support, and the temporary division of debts and assets, these issues will be put before a county commissioner.
The commissioner will rule on a set of temporary motions and these orders will remain in place while your Washington State divorce is pending final resolution. Unfortunately, commissioners only receive a small snapshot of our family and your finances when they make their initial rulings.
In some ways, this is why Washington state divorce law is so complicated. Unlike many other areas of the law, which are relatively clear and straightforward, WA divorce law has a lot gray in it. Judges and commissioners must be given wide latitude to make critical rulings on issues with only limited information.
Washington State divorce law is not black and white.
While some areas of the law are relatively black and white, most of Washington State's divorce and family law statutes specifically give judges tremendous discretion to fashion remedies on very broad legal principles such as "fair and equitable" or the "best interests of the children".
Of course, what is fair and equitable, or what is in the best interests of a child can vary wildly depending on what evidence is presented and whom the commissioner or judge believes. It can also vary considerably based simply upon which commissioner or judge is hearing the evidence.
This is the nature of family law. In truth, there is often more uncertainty than certainty in Washington State divorce law when you go to court. This is also why having an experienced Washington state divorce and family law attorney as your advocate can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case.