Ending a marriage does not have to mean a fight in front of a judge. For many clients in King County, working with a Kent collaborative divorce attorney offers a different way forward, one built on cooperation instead of confrontation. At Lutz & Associates, P.S., we have guided more than 17,000 clients through family law matters since 1997, including representation in collaborative divorce matters.
Collaborative divorce asks both spouses to commit, in writing, to resolving issues such as parenting plans and property division outside of litigation. A divorce attorney at our firm supports clients through each stage of that commitment, from the first agreement through final settlement, providing regular updates and candid feedback along the way.
Why Do Both Spouses Need Their Own Attorney?
In a collaborative divorce, you and your spouse each keep separate legal counsel, though both attorneys share the same objective: resolving concerns without asking a court to decide for you. This is different from negotiating on your own, since your attorney protects your interests while still working cooperatively with your ex-partner and their attorney. State law establishes specific requirements for how this process must proceed, including:
- A signed participation agreement stating the intent to resolve matters without litigation, as outlined in Revised Code of Washington § 7.77.030
- Joint meetings where spouses and their attorneys negotiate terms directly
- Support from neutral financial or parenting professionals when a case calls for it
- Timely and complete disclosure of financial and parenting information from both spouses
- Withdrawal of both collaborative attorneys if either spouse later chooses to litigate
This structure gives both spouses a reason to stay engaged and forthright. A collaborative divorce attorney from our Kent office guides you through each of these requirements so you understand exactly what you are agreeing to before signing anything.
What Are the Benefits of a Collaborative Divorce?
Court filings become part of the public record, and litigation schedules are largely outside your control. Collaborative divorce keeps your case private and allows you and your ex-spouse to set the pace, rather than waiting months for an available court date. Because no trial preparation is needed, many cases resolve with lower overall expenses than contested litigation, though the final cost still depends on how quickly you reach agreement.
At Lutz & Associates, P.S., we do not stretch out a case simply to increase billable hours. We work efficiently toward resolution while remaining ready to change course if the situation requires it. A collaborative divorce attorney from our Kent team promptly returns calls and provides clear explanations so that you always know where things stand.
State law also protects what you say during the process itself. Under RCW 7.77.140, communications during collaborative sessions are generally kept confidential, giving both spouses room to speak candidly during negotiations.
Please Reach Out to Our Kent Attorneys About Your Collaborative Divorce
Choosing this path means choosing transparency and mutual respect over conflict, backed by attorneys who know how to keep negotiations productive. When you work with a Kent collaborative divorce lawyer at Lutz & Associates, P.S., you gain the support of a team with decades of combined experience, all directed toward reaching terms that work for your future, and without the expense and unpredictability of a courtroom battle.
If you would like to find out whether this process fits your situation, we welcome the opportunity to speak with you. Contact Lutz & Associates, P.S. today by calling (206) 672-9291 or contacting us online to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward resolving your divorce on your own terms.
