How long will it take to complete my case?

Washington Courts have a general preference for family law cases to be completed within one year of the original filing. This timeline is frequently extended because of the need for additional discovery, judicial availability, mediation, or other issues that arise during your case.

The majority of cases are resolved by settlement which can occur anytime between the original date of filing and trial. In a divorce, Washington has a mandatory “cooling off” period which requires at least 90 days to pass between the date of service and the entry of final orders.

What is the discovery process?

The discovery process is how each side gathers evidence in the case. Common methods of discovery include written questions, requests for documents, oral testimony given in a deposition, and subpoenas. Your attorney will prepare these requests on your behalf and assist you in preparing your answers.

How does mediation work?

Mediation can be a stressful part of a case, but there is no need to worry. It is a formal dispute resolution process meant to settle some, or all, of the issues in your case. The other party will be in a separate room with their attorney. The mediator will discuss potential settlement offers and communicate that offer to the other side. The only decisions that will be made are by agreement only. We will advise you on who to select as mediator for your particular case, and be with you throughout the process.

How much will my case cost?

The total cost of a case is impossible to predict. In litigation, there are two different financial obligations for clients: costs and attorney fees. Costs are what you pay whether you have an attorney or not. Examples are your filing fee, the costs of service, and the costs of transcripts. Attorney fees are what you pay for a lawyer to represent your interests. Jonathan currently charges $275 per hour for his services.

If your case requires several hearings, experts, or has complex issues, you can expect to pay more. If you and the other party are in agreement or have few disputes, the cost of representation is generally less.