What is the meaning of Irretrievably Broken?

Some states use the phrase “irreconcilable differences” as legal grounds for obtaining a divorce.  Washington State is different. When our legislature adopted the Marriage Dissolution Act in 1973, the intent was to remove fault from the legal proceedings to the fullest extent possible.  Thus, the only grounds for dissolution of a marriage is that it be irretrievably broken.

Washington thus did away entirely with what had until then been the legal grounds for divorce:  infidelity, cruelty, or abandonment.  It is simply time to part company and seek a happier life.  Let’s look at the dictionary definition of irretrievable.  It means “impossible to regain or recover.”  Divorce is not the end of the world … just the end of a chapter.

In the State of Washington we use this term rather than “no fault” although they essentially mean the same thing.  Take a deep breath and make the call that you may have been putting off thinking that things would improve.  Call Bellevue WA marriage dissolution attorney Lyle Clark.  Attorney Clark will guide you through the process.  His number is (425) 452-3092.

Your Children’s Best Interest.

I am sure that nearly everyone agrees that when a marital union comes to an end thoughts turn to the best interests of the children.  This is not lip service.  It is a very real concern about not only how they will react initially, but the profound long-term impact of living without both parents being under the same roof.

The term “best interests” stems from deliberations that family courts undertake to decide what actions to take to best serve a child in the long run.  Topics such as education, healthcare, and religious upbringing will be discussed.  The mental and physical health of each parent may come into play as well as financial stability.

If you must go through this do not do it alone.  You may wish to seek the advice of a veteran family attorney in the Seattle area.  For the last four decades Bellevue, Washington family attorney Lyle Clark has assisted individuals during this stressful process.  Please call Attorney Lyle Clark at (425) 452-3092.

A Quick Tutorial on Our Legal System.

In case you did not know, the legal system in forty-nine of the American states was inherited from the English.  (Louisiana follows the French legal system.)  In medieval times things were simple across the pond.  The King owned everything and the laws protected royalty over the commoners.  Commoners were called “vassals” and essentially had no rights.  Enter the Church of England.  Following its creation, courts were created to resolve disputes that the King did not have time for. The ecclesiastical courts followed a different set of rules; designed to bestow fairness and equity rather than to protect the property rights of the nobility. 

When America’s court system came into existence, the courts looked to English common law to establish precedents, integrating both rules of law and rules of equity.  Some English laws were codified into statutes.  What does any of this have to do with Washington’s Marriage Dissolution Act?  This is an area where law and equity overlap.  In the Evergreen State we have a 90-day waiting period before a dissolution may be finalized. That is a rule of law.  On the other hand, the Act provides that the community and separate property of the parties is to be divided fairly and equitably.

In a system where black-letter law does not spell out how financial issues are to be resolved, a qualified Washington dissolution of marriage attorney is a must to represent you properly.  That person in Bellevue is Lyle Clark.  Attorney Clark has been a Seattle area family lawyer for nearly 4 decades.  For professional advice on all family law matters call Lyle today at (425) 452-3092.

Divorce in the State of Washington.

Let’s keep it simple and basic.  If one of the couples seeking a dissolution of marriage lives in the Evergreen State, they can file for divorce without the consent of the other partner.  Washington is what is called a “no fault divorce state”.  Save your energy.  Gone are the days when you have to prove fault or demean your former partner just to end the union.

You may question WHERE you file.  That would be in the county where you or your spouse resides.  How long does the process take?  The minimum waiting period in the state is 90 days.  It will take at least that long for what is known as the Decree of Dissolution to be entered.  However, be prepared that if there are any contested issues it will be a longer process.

For the least stressful method of filing for a dissolution of marriage you need a qualified veteran divorce attorney.  In Bellevue, Washington that is 35 year professional Lyle Clark.  Attorney Clark is a Seattle area dissolution of marriage attorney in the State of Washington.  If you wish to begin the process today, please give Lyle a call at (425) 452-3092.

What is Collaborative Divorce in the State of Washington?

Is collaborative divorce right for you and your spouse?  It has become a popular new alternative to traditional divorce in this country.  It is best described as a method by which both parties come to an agreement through cooperative techniques.  Everyone tries to resolve conflicts without litigation having to be a part of what can become a messy process at best.

In the beginning both attorneys and their representatives sign what is known as a “Participation Agreement”.  This is understood as a pact that the issues of the dissolution will be settled in a non-adversarial manner.  Both parties trust that their respective attorneys will assist them in reaching a settlement without the expense of court costs.

In finding the perfect attorney to assist you as your representative look for someone who wants his clients to avoid expensive fees and costs.  Preferably that will be a veteran of Seattle-area family law who has seen every side of the issue of divorce for more than 35 years.  That choice is clear.  Place a call to Bellevue WA collaborative divorce attorney Lyle Clark today at (425) 452-3092.