Contested Divorce

Seattle Divorce Attorneys

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. We understand this and have the staff and experience to support you.

If you are considering initiating a high-conflict divorce, we'd like to offer this advice: think your choice through very carefully, especially if you have children. On our Resources page, you will find links to web sites that explain the effects of heavily contested divorces on children. The news is not good. In addition to being stressful, high-conflict divorces are very expensive. If you can avoid a high-conflict divorce, we urge you to do so - and as your lawyers we will help you do so.

However, if you find yourself on the receiving end of a high-conflict situation and believe that you are misunderstood or unfairly attacked, we can help. Our extensive experience in contested and high-conflict divorce means that we are not intimidated by an aggressive opponent. Amanda DuBois has more than 20 years of trial experience and will go the distance for you in litigation, working diligently for the resolution you want. We have success litigating divorce cases against very aggressive lawyers and will do so for you if that is what you find yourself up against.

We also have experience in divorce cases involving allegations of spousal abuse and domestic violence. Amanda DuBois and Monica Kaup Cary have substantial experience representing clients who have been unjustly accused of domestic violence or domestic abuse. In our experience, an allegation of domestic abuse may be used as a bargaining chip in a child custody or property division dispute, and we will defend you strenuously against unwarranted charges. We have close relationships with certified domestic violence treatment programs and work with them so that our clients are able to reestablish contact with their children in these unfortunate situations.

In a contested divorce, almost every issue ends up going through the courts or other formal processes. For example, if parties do not voluntarily exchange financial information, documents are gathered through subpoenas, depositions and written interrogatories. Areas of disagreement - such as hidden assets, or the value of the house or family business - often require professionals to provide expert opinions. Decisions such as who stays in the family home, who will be primary parent, and who should receive financial support are often decided by a court commissioner or, ultimately a judge after reviewing arguments and testimony by witnesses and experts.

All of the attorneys at The DuBois Cary Law Group have extensive experience in motions court where these decisions are often made by court commissioners.

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.