Resources & FAQs

We focus on three primary practice areas: family law (including divorce, child custody, and minor guardianships), estate planning (wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives), and protection orders (domestic violence, anti-harassment, and sexual assault protection orders).

We primarily serve clients in Clark County, Washington. If you have a legal matter in another county, please contact us to discuss whether we can assist or provide a referral.

You can schedule a consultation by completing the form on our Contact page, or by calling our office during business hours. We typically respond to inquiries within 1 business day.

Bring any documents relevant to your matter (court orders, agreements, correspondence, etc.), a list of questions you have, and a summary of your situation. If you're unsure what to bring, our office can provide guidance when scheduling your appointment.

You are welcome to contact us even if you are still gathering information or deciding how to proceed. Many clients come to us with questions about their options, timelines, or potential next steps before making any decisions. A consultation can help you better understand your situation and whether legal representation would be beneficial.

Yes. Any information you share with our office, including during an initial consultation, is treated as confidential. Many people contact us during stressful or sensitive moments, and we understand how important privacy and trust are at that stage. Our goal is to provide a safe, respectful space where you can speak openly and receive thoughtful guidance.

Washington has a mandatory 90-day waiting period from the date of filing and service before a divorce can be finalized. However, the total time depends on whether the divorce is contested, the complexity of property and custody issues, and the court's schedule. Simple uncontested divorces may finalize shortly after 90 days, while complex contested cases can take significantly longer.

It is common to feel uncertain before taking legal action. Speaking with an attorney early can help you understand your rights, responsibilities, and potential outcomes, even if you are not ready to move forward. Many clients find that having clear information allows them to make more confident and informed decisions.

Washington courts make custody decisions based on the "best interests of the child." Factors considered include each parent's relationship with the child, the child's adjustment to home, school, and community, parent's work schedules, each parent's ability to encourage the child's relationship with the other parent, and any history of domestic violence, abuse, or other limiting factors.

Yes, custody orders can be modified if there has been a substantial change in circumstances since the original order. The court will again focus on the best interests of the child. We can help you understand whether modification may be appropriate in your situation.

Not necessarily. Many divorces are resolved through negotiation, mediation, or settlement without the need for a trial. While court involvement is required to finalize a divorce, many cases do not involve a full court hearing. Whichever route your case may take, we focus on helping clients resolve matters efficiently while protecting their interests.

Washington is a community property state, meaning the court divides property in a manner that is “just and equitable,” which is not always a strict 50/50 split. The court considers factors such as the nature and extent of community and separate property, the length of the marriage, and each spouse’s economic circumstances. Every case is unique, and outcomes depend heavily on the specific facts.

In emergency situations, temporary protection orders can often be obtained the same day or next day. A full hearing for a longer-term order typically occurs within 14 days. If you're in immediate danger, contact law enforcement.

Domestic violence protection orders are for family or household members. Anti-harassment orders are for non-family situations involving harassment. Sexual assault protection orders are for survivors of sexual assault regardless of their relationship to the perpetrator. We can help you determine which type is appropriate for your situation.

Violating a protection order is a criminal offense in Washington. If someone violates an order protecting you, contact law enforcement immediately. Keep documentation of any violations. We can also help you pursue additional legal remedies if needed.

Yes. While a temporary protection order may be granted without the other party present, a full hearing is required for a longer-term order. At that hearing, both sides have an opportunity to be heard. Having legal guidance can help you understand what to expect and how to present your concerns clearly and effectivel

Yes. Physical violence is not required in all cases. Harassment, threats, stalking, and coercive behavior may support a protection order depending on the circumstances. If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, speaking with an attorney can help clarify your options.