Caring Washington Divorce Lawyers Provide Guidance to Same-Sex Couples
Compassionate family law attorneys understand the unique challenges you face in the Bellingham area
The dissolution of any marriage can involve crucial decisions about the welfare of children and the equitable division of assets, but divorces involving same-sex couples can present additional challenges. The attorneys at Beaty Family Law represent residents of the Bellingham area and throughout Washington in divorce proceedings. While the Supreme Court’s 2015 ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, the path for same-sex couples seeking a divorce can be less smooth. We understand that dissolving a marriage is difficult no matter the circumstances and will offer the advice and advocacy you need to move on with confidence when you seek a same-sex divorce.
Responsive Washington advocates handle a full range of divorce issues
At Beaty Family Law, we consider all aspects of your same-sex divorce case to develop the best possible solutions regarding:
- Distribution of personal property, bank accounts, stocks and other assets
- Division of marital debts
- Sale or possession of the marital home
- Spousal support and temporary support
- Child custody and visitation rights
- Child support
We know that every family and every divorce are different and we work closely with our clients to pursue optimal results under circumstances that can be challenging.
Dedicated attorneys confront issues specific to same-sex divorce
Before same-sex marriage became legal nationwide, many couples filed for domestic partnerships, but those unions did not confer the same legal rights as marriage. Because most states take into account the longevity of a marriage when it comes to awarding spousal support, it may not be clear whether the years spent in a committed union before marriage will count toward that determination in a same-sex divorce. That means decades spent with a partner in a monogamous relationship may not be used to determine how much, if any, alimony should be awarded. The same complications exist with respect to an equitable division of assets.
Child custody and support issues may also be difficult to determine in same-sex divorces, especially in cases involving surrogates or when only one parent is a child’s birth-parent. At Beaty Family Law, we represent your rights by guiding you through the dissolution of your marriage whether or not the law is clear.
Committed counselors advise on mediation
Because the laws governing divorce may not adequately settle issues between same-sex couples, alternative means of dispute resolution may offer a better strategy. Mediation gives you and your spouse the opportunity to negotiate a divorce settlement in a structured setting through a trained facilitator. The mediation process fosters cooperation between partners and removes the unpredictability and uncertainty associated with litigation. Mediation often reduces the time and costs of divorce, and puts the decisions in your hands. This process is especially helpful for same-sex couples dealing with financial and custody issues that courts are still grappling with. At Beaty Family Law, we can represent your interests in divorce mediation as you pursue the most equitable divorce settlement, fair child support agreement, and healthy child custody arrangement.
Skilled family law litigators protect you and your family
Sometimes litigation is necessary to reach a just and equitable resolution to your family’s disputes. Through tactical trial strategies and professional courtroom presence, our skilled litigators successfully represent clients throughout the adversarial litigation process. We are prepared to handle the complex aspects of your divorce methodically to obtain the most favorable outcome in court.
Contact caring Washington family law attorneys for your same-sex divorce
For help ending your marriage or domestic partnership, call Beaty Family Law in Bellingham at 360-676-1215 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with an experienced divorce attorney.