Planning for Divorce in Washington State

If you are planning to divorce, your attorney at the Law Offices of Molly Kenny will begin the process by just listening. Molly Kenny believes in building strong relationships with clients because while every divorce is difficult, no divorce case is the same.

 

The Law Offices of Molly B. Kenny are located on Mercer Island, and our lawyers handle divorce cases for clients throughout the Greater Seattle, Washington Area.

 

Our law practice is based on the principle of one on one contact with clients. Before forming a legal strategy, we want to know your situation, your values, and your priorities. Divorce is one of the biggest crises you may face in your life. At the Law Offices of Molly B. Kenny, we are dedicated to guiding you through the divorce process with respect and dignity.

 

Your children are our first priority. Children are the most deeply affected by divorce, because it involves the two most important people in a child's life, and because the structures and relationships that have defined that life change forever. Children may have to move to a new house, change schools, meet new people and see loved ones less often. They must learn to accept that a new relationship exists between their parents, and face these new facts when both parents are distracted and under stress themselves. We believe that if a case involves children, their physical and emotional needs always come first.

 

Discussing Your Assets and Property

 

After learning about your personal and family situation, your attorney will address your property and finances.

 

If your net worth is more than one million dollars, divorce can be extremely difficult and complicated.

 

Molly Kenny has access to a team of Seattle-area financial professionals-including economists, financial planners, business evaluators, and CPAs-who are available to clarify complex financial arrangements and devise a clear strategy to arrive at a solid and equitable divorce agreement.

 

Your lawyer will protect your interests by becoming extremely familiar with the details of your property, including:

• Houses
• Second homes and vacation property
• Cars
• Boats
• Art
• Collections

 

And with your finances and assets, including:

• Pension
• 401-K
• Brokerage accounts
• Stock options
• Stock grants
• Savings

 

Our clients are prepared to make good decisions because we believe in education and communication. During the divorce process you will be fully informed about your options and possible outcomes.

Your attorney will first help you decide whether it is possible to handle your divorce without going to court. If you and the other party are able to think realistically and act productively to achieve the outcome that is best for you and for your family, there may be no need to go to court and the emotional and financial strain of divorce can be minimized.

 

If your divorce case involves:

• A complex financial situation
• Drug, alcohol or domestic abuse issues 
• If the other party has hired a combative or aggressive lawyer
• If the other party has trouble letting go of unrealistic expectations

 

If any of these situations apply, your case may be better handled in court.

 

At the Law Offices of Molly B. Kenny, we don't run a "mill." We handle our clients "one case at a time" with a commitment to detailed knowledge of your legal and financial issues, your goals, and your values. You will be treated with respect and never left in the dark about any detail of your case. You will be given a copy of every document that pertains to your case as soon as we get it. We return phone calls and respond to email promptly. Education and communication are our top priorities.

 

In addition, if you have a legal issue outside of our core practice areas, we can refer you to qualified attorneys whose expertise complements our own.

 

Please call the Law Offices of Molly B. Kenny at (206) 381-0100 or fill out the online contact form.

The Law Offices of Molly B. Kenny are located on Mercer Island and serve the Greater Seattle, Washington Area including:

King County: Seattle, Mercer Island, Bellevue, Issaquah, Redmond, Renton, Kirkland, Kenmore, Bothell, Kent, Tukwila. Snoqualmie Falls, North Bend.  Snohomish County: Bothell, Everett, Mukilteo, Edmonds, Woodway, Brier, Mountlake Terrace, Lynnwood, Mill Creek, Snohomish, Monroe.

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Library for Divorce and Property:

• Divorce After A Lengthy Marriage Holds Unique Challenges   
  Description: Silver divorce is receiving a fair amount of press after famous couple Al and Tipper Gore announced that their marriage was over. But just how common is divorce after decades of marriage? And are there complications to getting a divorce so late in life? Read more about silver divorce in Washington State.
• Washington State Divorce And Retirement Plans: Is Your Retirement Money Protected?   
  Description: When you and your spouse divorce, you will have to decide how to split your retirement funds fairly. The best way to do this without paying tax penalties is through a Washington State divorce lawyer. Learn more about what happens to your retirement plans in a divorce and how a lawyer can help you keep what you are entitled to.
• It doesn't always take two to cause conflict in a divorce. [PDF]   
  Description: The idea that both parties are "guilty" and should be treated (or chastised) equally does not help resolve the conflict.
• Using a lawyer to coach you through your divorce. [PDF]   
  Description: Using your lawyer as a coach to keep costs down.
• Questions To Ask Your Potential Seattle Divorce Attorney   
  Description: Choosing the right Washington State Divorce lawyer is an important decision that could affect how your WA divorce process. Below, we have listed a number of important questions that you should ask potential Seattle divorce lawyers when you are picking a lawyer to help you with your case.
• Facebook & Twitter: How Social Networking Can Affect Your Divorce Case   
  Description: What you say on the internet could hurt your Washington State divorce case or child custody case. Learn more about a new study conducted about social networking sites as divorce evidence and about what divorce lawyers are telling their clients to do about their Facebook and Twitter accounts.
• Checklist: What Should I Do Before Initiating Divorce?   
  Description: A divorce requires planning - and some of that planning needs to take place before you make your divorce public or even before you tell your spouse that you have made your final decision. This checklist can help you think about your divorce and also plan for the smoothest possible Washington State divorce.
• How Does Washington’s Divorce Rate Compare To National Numbers?   
  Description: Washington has one of the higher divorce rates in the country, though the rate of marriages ending across the state has been dropping steadily since 1990. Currently, 4 in 1,000 marriages end each year in WA. Learn more Washington State divorce statistics in the following article.
• Understanding Legal Separation in Washington State   
  Description: Many couples opt for a legal separation instead of divorce for many reasons. Read this article to learn about the process of legally separating and what you need to know if you are considering this option. Contact an experienced Seattle family lawyer at the Law Offices of Molly B. Kenny for legal advice.
• Three Ways Marriages Are Ended in Washington   
  Description: There are three procedures used to end a marriage in Washington. Read this article to learn more about the differences between annulment, separation and dissolution. If you are considering filing for divorce, you should contact a Seattle divorce attorney at the Law Offices of Molly B. Kenny at (206) 381-0100 for legal assistance.
• How Divorce Can Affect Children   
  Description: Although you may well understand the reasons for your divorce, your child may not. In fact, your children may blame themselves for your divorce or become withdrawn and depressed. If you are filing for divorce in Washington State, it is important that you talk with your child openly with your spouse about the divorce and seek therapy if necessary.

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Frequent Questions for Divorce and Property:

• How Long Does It Take To Get Divorced In Washington State?
• What Forms Do I Need To Fill Out In A Washington Divorce?
• What Is A No Fault Divorce? Can I Get A No Fault Divorce In Washington?