Divorce is undoubtedly a traumatic time for both parties involved. However, in some cases, circumstances between both parties are so agreeable that they may not need a third party to negotiate thorny issues.

If any of the following matches your current situation, then you may be able to divorce without a lawyer.

When can I file for divorce without a lawyer?

If you and your spouse can agree on all the financial aspects of your divorce, then you can go ahead and file for divorce, without hiring an attorney.

The financial aspects that should be mutually agreed upon should include the following list.

  • Division of property and assets
  • Alimony
  • Child support payments
  • Division of retirement accounts
  • Division of life insurance policies

In some cases, these financial details are simple enough that a divorce lawyer is not required. If there are few assets involved, then you may not need a divorce attorney.

If you and your spouse can come to an agreement about child custody, visitation, parenting time, vacation, and other aspects of shared parenting, you may not need a divorce lawyer.  

If you have signed a prenuptial agreement, and both of you agree to honor the terms of the agreement, you may not need an attorney to mediate between the two of you.

When do you need a divorce lawyer?

In some cases, a Washington divorce lawyer is not only recommended, but necessary.

For instance, if you are currently in a relationship that involves spousal abuse, domestic violence, including physical, verbal, emotional or psychological abuse, you need a divorce lawyer to protect your rights, and ensure that your children and you are protected.

If you own significant assets, and are concerned about how these will be divided in the event of a divorce, consult with a lawyer. Failure to consult with a Washington divorce attorney at times like these can result in possibly losing a significant proportion of your assets to your spouse.  Get in touch with an attorney especially if you have not signed a prenuptial agreement.

If you expect contentious disputes on matters of child custody, visitation and parenting time, seek legal help from a divorce lawyer to protect your rights to your children.

A divorce lawyer can help look out for your best interests, protect your rights, and save you a lot of money in the process. Call 425-460-0550 to speak with attorney Molly Kenny at our firm, or fill out the online contact form and schedule a consultation.

Molly B. Kenny
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Divorce and Child Custody Attorney Serving Bellevue and Seattle Washington
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