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Any legal issue that impacts your family relationships falls into the category of family law. These matters are often anxiety-provoking and emotional, but you do not have to face them alone.
Our attorneys have been practicing family law exclusively since 1997 and have worked on more than 1,5000 family law cases, so we understand how difficult these issues can be. Our Kent family lawyers provide skilled representation and empathetic guidance to help resolve issues to your satisfaction and future success.
Much of our practice concerns divorce cases. We take the time to understand your concerns and help you prioritize your goals. Then we direct all our skills and resources to helping you achieve them as efficiently as possible. We always aim for a resolution out of court, when possible.
The Revised Code of Washington § 26.09.080 gives each spouse an equal interest in all property and debt acquired during a marriage. Negotiated property settlements typically serve both parties best, and we could be your trusted advisor as you negotiate directly with your spouse or work with a mediator. If you cannot reach a fair agreement, our Kent family law attorneys will pursue an equitable division in court.
Although state law governs military divorces, concerns may arise regarding splitting pensions and the impact of deployments on custody and child support arrangements. We have handled numerous military divorces and could help you resolve these issues with clarity if you come from a military family.
The most difficult aspect of ending a relationship for most parents is dividing time with their children. Both parents have equal custody rights, but any arrangement must serve the children’s best interests.
Joint custody is possible, but courts consider the impact of dividing time equally between two homes on children’s schedules and overall well-being. Both parents contribute to their children’s financial support, with one parent typically making a monthly transfer payment to the other.
Unmarried parents have full custody rights if the father has signed the child’s birth certificate. A father who has not legally acknowledged paternity has no right to custody, although he does have an obligation to pay child support. There are legal procedures to establish paternity after birth, and our compassionate family attorneys could help Kent fathers who wish to establish paternity.
Although many family law concerns trigger sadness or anger, adoption is usually filled with pure joy, combined with a bit—or a lot—of stress. People of all relationship statuses and sexual orientations may adopt, but all prospective adopters must undergo a home study. An adoption court must approve the adoption and legally establish the adoptee as a member of your family with the same rights and obligations they would have if they were your biological child.
Washington also offers the option of third-parent adoption for nontraditional families. This type of adoption allows a third party other than the child’s biological or adoptive parents to gain parental rights and responsibilities without terminating the rights of either of the parents. This option gives stepparents, LGBTQ families, and non-monogamous families the opportunity for other parental figures to establish legal family ties with children.
Growing your family through adoption is a great choice, but there may be hurdles before your adoption is final. The family attorneys at our Kent office would be delighted to guide you through the process step-by-step if you are considering adoption.
Family law touches the most personal parts of your life, so you need help from a knowledgeable and empathetic professional. Work with a Kent family lawyer at Lutz & Associates, P.S., to take the next steps toward reaching your family’s goals. We provide the individualized guidance and advice you need to handle your family matters with confidence. We would love to speak with you, so call or reach out online today.