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Property Settlements

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Family Law
Practice Areas

  • Alimony
  • Court Orders
  • Child Custody
  • Child Support
  • Divorce
  • Domestic Violence
  • Fathers Rights
  • Grandparents Rights
  • Modifications
  • Prenuptial Agreement
  • Property Settlements
  • Restraining Order
  • Visitation Rights

Family Law FAQ

  • Do I Need a Lawyer?
  • How do I change my parenting plan?

Division of Property

Washington is a community property state. Some community property states require that community property be divided equally upon divorce. In Washington divorce cases, the court has jurisdiction over all property – separate and community – and is required to divide all property equitably.

Under Washington law, assets and debts accrued during the marriage are typically considered to be community, while assets and debts acquired pre-marriage or post- separation are considered separate property. However, it is possible for the court to award one spouse’s separate property to the other spouse in order to achieve a fair and equitable distribution of property.

How does the court decide how to divide property?

Some of the factors considered by the court might include:

  • The length of the marriage.
  • The ages of the spouses.
  • Income.
  • Education.
  • Financial needs.
  • Prenuptial agreement.

Assets in a Divorce Subject to Division

Each case is unique and the assets divided upon divorce vary greatly from case to case. However, common assets may include:

    • Money – This can include cash, funds in your checking, savings and investment accounts.
    • Home – The family home and any other real estate is real property and an asset that is commonly divided upon divorce.
    • Retirement – This includes funds such as pensions and 401(k) accounts.
    • Business – Any businesses owned by the parties.

Request A Review of Your Case

Puyallup Office

3708 14th St Place SW Puyallup, WA 98373
Tel:253-840-0288


Tacoma Office

14718 Union Ave SW
Lakewood, WA 98498
Tel:253-840-0288

 

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COVID-19 UPDATE:
Additional Information for you.

Click here to learn more
COVID-19 UPDATE

PLEASE NOTE: The State and Local courts in Pierce and King Counties have implemented changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As such Court will not be held until late April or May, except for emergency hearings with a few exceptions. The court in Pierce County is also allowing for family law motions by scheduled and decided based on written motion only (no oral argument) so we are able to address family law matters without having to personally appear. If you have an emergency family law matter or domestic violence situation, those matters will still be heard in all courts and you will not have to wait to have your matter before the court for relief.

While our office will still be working diligently on your cases, for the health and safety of our community, appointments will be telephonic or via Skype if possible. To schedule an appointment please call the office at 253-840-0288.

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