Trusted Legal Guidance For All Your Divorce Needs

Going through a divorce (or dissolution) is one of the most emotional and difficult experiences any of us will ever face. The reassuring news, however, is that the right legal team can make a significant and positive difference in your case. At the Law Office of Sophia M. Palmer, we are here to help you navigate the dissolution process from start to finish, always advocating for you and your children and offering personalized attention and compassionate support.

As a firm focused exclusively on family law, we have represented hundreds of clients at each stage of divorce proceedings. No matter what your case requires, we have the skills and experience to provide it. And because we prioritize high-quality representation over high-volume business, we intentionally limit our caseloads to ensure that you receive our undivided attention and dedication.

The paragraphs below highlight some of the many family law issues – both common and unique – that our skilled attorneys can help you with.

Helping You Face The Unique Challenges Of Military Divorce

Divorces among military couples sometimes have complicated processes that differ from civilian divorces, including how health care and retirement benefits are provided, along with varying approaches based on the specific cause(s) for divorce. Our team has a wealth of experience representing both members and nonmembers, ensuring our strategies and recommendations will be developed with the proper understanding of your specific situation.

When And Why To Consider Legal Separation

Legal separation is a binding separation that allows for the dissolution of assets, creation of custodial arrangements, or setting of spousal support. Couples typically legally separate for financial, tax or religious reasons, and it can provide legal clarity for all parties.

Grounds for legal separation are similar to those for divorce, but may be employed if a couple intends to resolve their relationship in the future, or are seeking other arrangements when a divorce may not be immediately feasible or appropriate. Our family law counselors can provide guidance on whether legal separation makes the most sense for you and your particular situation, and how best to proceed.

Legal Guidance For Unmarried Couples Ending A Relationship

Dissolving a relationship, regardless of your marital status, is difficult. It can be even more difficult when you have parenting, custody or property issues that need to be addressed. The law provides for the dissolution of a committed intimate relationship when certain factors have been met.

If a committed intimate relationship exists, it gives the court authority to divide property between the parties. RCW 26.26 provides a framework allowing a mother and (alleged or presumed) father to ask the court to establish paternity, divide parenting responsibilities between the parties, and award child support and attorney fees.

Cohabitation Agreements For Unmarried Couples Living Together

These agreements help create legally binding standards and aspects that typically lay out the financial, liability or property aspects of two or more people choosing to live together.

Cohabitation agreements remove assumptions by a court regarding the distribution of property upon the death of one (or multiple) partner(s), ensuring their goals are met and the rights of all parties are made clear.

Helping LGBTQ Clients Resolve Complex Family Law Issues

While Washington state recognizes same-sex marriage, there are other challenges that these and other LGBTQ couples face regarding taxes, benefits, custodial rights, and other areas. Our team is experienced at navigating the local, state and national laws and rulings you may encounter, and we are ready to consult with you to take on the challenges you may be facing or goals you want to achieve.

Is A Prenuptial Agreement Right For You?

Prenuptial (or antenuptial) agreements are contracts that are created in advance of a legally binding marriage, and are typically used to protect financial assets of each spouse-to-be. They can be used in cases where one spouse carries significant assets, or debts, into the relationship, if there are preplanned financial decisions to be made in the future, or to outline the amount of spousal maintenance or support to be paid in the case of a divorce or another dissolution event.

Our knowledgeable attorneys can ensure that the intent and goals of your agreement are clear, that it can be legally upheld, and explain what it means for your and your fiancé’s future.

We Understand And Welcome The Challenges Of High Net Worth Divorces

If your divorce involves significant assets, it is imperative you have an experienced and knowledgeable attorney to help you identify and properly value those assets. Only an experienced attorney can advise you how to navigate the complexity of high-asset property division. This includes the use of experts to provide you the information you need to engage in meaningful settlement negotiations, and trial, if necessary. The use of the right expert in high net worth cases can give you a superior advantage in negotiations and at trial.

These cases often require intense attention to detail as well as attention from your lawyer and your experts. They typically take longer to resolve, and require an attorney with patience and perseverance. At our firm, you not only get preeminent representation and experience; you get it at a fraction of the cost of other local large firms.

Division Of Retirement Assets Using QDROs

Qualified domestic relations orders (QDROs) are court-mandated orders providing a former spouse some part of a retirement benefit earned during a marital relationship. The “Q” goes into effect once the governing plan accepts the domestic relations order put forth by the court. Access to funds or benefits from a retirement account is only made feasible by this qualification, according to U.S. federal law.

Working with an attorney as early as possible in the case of a divorce or relationship separation to develop a plan to secure a QDRO is the proper first step in acquiring one, and our team is knowledgeable about the intricacies of these proceedings.

Addressing Domestic Violence And Emergency Protection Orders

Some situations may require immediate, urgent protective orders against a partner or spouse. These can range from prevention of in-person or another contact, to access to specific assets such as vehicles, bank accounts, homes, or other property, or custodial rights. Understanding your legal options is critical in these situations, and having prepared legal counsel is an important step in doing so. These orders provide protection for victims of domestic violence, child abuse, stalking, harassment, and other activities.

We Are Here For Whatever Your Case Requires. Contact Us To Get Started.

The Law Office of Sophia M. Palmer is based in Tacoma, Washington, and we serve clients throughout the greater Tacoma area. To discuss your family law needs with one of our skilled attorneys, contact us to arrange an initial consultation. Simply call 253-356-6460 or send us an email.