Practice Areas

Seattle Family Lawyers

For more information about a practice area, click on the heading.

Amicable Divorce

Settling a divorce out of court is almost always better for everyone. Keep in mind though, that even a low-conflict or amicable divorce is not always simple or easy. Disagreements often arise in areas such as the parenting plan or property division. At the DuBois Cary Law Group in Seattle, Washington, the goal of our lawyers and professional staff is to help you reach agreement with your former spouse with as little conflict as possible.

Contested Divorce

In our experience, a contested divorce is one of the most stressful experiences a person can face. If you anticipate heading into a high-conflict case, you will need a legal team that understands you are in a crisis situation. You'll need an attorney who is not only readily available, but one who will be extremely supportive. At the DuBois Law Firm in Seattle, Washington, we understand this and have the staff and experience to support you.

Child Custody

Every divorce involving children must have a child custody and visitation agreement which is called a parenting plan. We specialize in creating customized parenting plans to meet the unique needs of our clients' families.

Property Division

In Washington state, all marital property generated by the two parties during the years they were a couple (including the years they were living together as well as married), is up for division, including retirement benefits. The law in Washington starts with an assumption that community property will be split 50-50. However, from there the court will consider a variety of factors that could lead to different percentages. For example, when one party is the higher wage earner, the courts will attempt to put the parties in a closer economic position after the divorce through property division and alimony.

Professional Divorce

If you think divorce is in your future, you should get legal advice as soon as possible - especially if you are professional or have significant assets you want to protect. There are important issues regarding child custody and property division that you should know early in the process.

Parenting Plan Modification

In Washington State, child custody can be modified with court approval if there is "a substantial change in circumstances in the household where the child is residing that was not foreseeable at the time the parenting plan was entered into." A parenting plan modification is usually expensive and may be difficult to obtain. However, if you would like a consultation to determine if your plan can be changed, we can help.

Relocation

The state of Washington has strict laws about a parent relocating a child. Discussing your situation with an experienced lawyer before you move your child can head off many potential problems. Amanda DuBois and Monica Kaup Cary often represent parents with primary residential custody who want to move, as well as parents who do not want their child to relocate.

Paternity Action

There are very specific requirements that must be met in order to establish paternity. The deadlines defined by the statute are strict and so we recommend you contact a lawyer immediately if you are wanting to establish a parenting plan to allow you to be an involved father. As parents ourselves, we know and understand the importance of a father in a child's life. We are here to help you.

Domestic Partnership Dissolution

In Washington, we have a new Domestic Partnership Statute that grants same sex partners the same rights as married partners. However, even if you are not married, you may be subject to our state's community property laws as soon as you and your partner hold yourselves out to be a couple. Whether you are the same sex as your partner or a different sex, the law may treat you as if you were married for purposes of property division and parenting plans if one of the parties moves out. At the DuBois Cary Law Group, we have extensive experience in dissolving same sex partnerships. Our newest lawyer, Dan Reich, is active in GLBT legal associations and along with his new team, he is keeping up with the latest legal standards as the court interprets the new law.

If you have questions, please contact attorney Amanda DuBois or a member of our legal team. Our waterfront office is located on the north end of Lake Union in Seattle, Washington.