Family Law Attorney in Grays Harbor County, Washington
Once in a while, family and relationship issues can result in a series of legal nightmares. Family legal issues, including divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, visitation rights, and asset division, often require a great deal of time and consideration to resolve. If you are thinking of making changes to your family structure, consulting with an experienced family law attorney is crucial to achieving the best possible outcome as quickly as possible.
Attorney William E. Morgan has dedicated his career to helping clients through difficult transitions in their lives with compassion and dedication. He will offer you proper guidance and advocacy, and ensure that issues are resolved productively between all parties involved. Call today for a free one-on-one consultation with an experienced Washington family law attorney.
William E. Morgan proudly serves clients in Grays Harbor County, Washington, and the surrounding areas of Montesano, Aberdeen, Hoquiam, and Pacific County.
Making Changes to Your Family Structure
Whether it is a divorce, asset division, child custody, or adoption, making changes to your family structure can be exciting, yet scary. When you find yourself in such stressful and complicated situations, seeking comprehensive legal assistance can help you achieve the best result for everyone involved.
Adding to Your Family
Every person’s family is unique. When adding to your family, it is important to seek the help of an experienced family law attorney. Your attorney can represent you in matters of pre- or postnuptial agreements, adoption, family court proceedings, and other related negotiations.
Pre- and Post-nuptial Agreements
Couples often agree to share their assets when they decide to get married. However, in the event of a divorce, these assets, including property, debts, and bank accounts, will be subject to equitable division. A pre- or postnuptial agreement allows couples to set parameters for which their assets will be divided in case of a divorce or legal separation.
A prenuptial agreement is entered into before the marriage while postnuptial agreements are entered into after getting married. Pre- or postnuptial agreements can help couples define expectations, achieve peace of mind, and provide financial security and protection.
Adoption
Adoption is another common family law matter. Many potential parents want to understand how to initiate the adoption process in Washington and file an adoption petition. Seeking proper guidance from a knowledgeable attorney is crucial to ensure that the entire process proceeds smoothly.
When Relationships Change
Over time, relationships change because people or situations change. Sometimes family issues and relationship changes arise that are too challenging to resolve. A divorce or legal separation may be the eventual solution.
Divorce
Washington is a no-fault state meaning that the only permissible grounds for divorce is that the marriage is irretrievably broken and there is no chance of reconciliation. The details of the divorce, such as asset division, child custody, and alimony can be worked out between the two parties and submitted to the court (uncontested divorce) or where an agreement cannot be reached, the court will decide the divorce arrangement (contested divorce).
Child Custody
Child custody, or parenting plan as it is often referred to in Washington, is vitally important in the divorce process. The courts will always rule in favor of the child’s best interest and consider the best way to maintain the child's emotional growth, health and stability, and physical care.
Spousal Maintenance (Alimony)
Spousal maintenance is a court-ordered payment or financial support that is provided by one spouse to the other spouse during or for a period after a divorce. There are three types of support that may be awarded including:
Temporary Support - Awarded to ensure that both spouses can meet financial obligations during the divorce process. It is awarded only while the divorce is pending and ends upon final decree.
Short-Term Maintenance - Awarded to give a spouse the opportunity to become financially independent through acquiring skills (education) or finding employment. The court assigns an end date or event (i.e. graduation).
Long-Term Maintenance - Awarded in rare circumstances in which one of the spouses is disabled or of advanced age and unable to find employment or a means of financial stability.
How Legal Counsel Can Help
In 2018, there were about 780,000 divorces obtained in the United States. During the same year, about 42,237 children were adopted by a married couple. Resolving family and relationship issues can be very complicated and emotionally exhausting. Having a knowledgeable family law attorney is crucial to resolve such family issues as smoothly as possible.
William E. Morgan is highly knowledgeable and experienced in the legal services he provides. He will work with all parties involved and fight to protect your best interests and that of your family. He will give you the comprehensive legal guidance and advocacy you need to achieve the best possible outcome.
Experienced Family Law Attorney in Grays Harbor County, Washington
If you need assistance with a family law matter, call William E. Morgan to schedule a free, one-on-one consultation. He will listen to your story, understand your unique situation, and help you navigate through the process. He proudly serves clients in Grays Harbor County, Montesano, Aberdeen, Hoquiam, and Pacific County, Washington. Call him today to receive proper guidance and advocacy from an experienced Washington family law attorney.