Washington is a "community property" state

This means that any property acquired during the marriage is considered to be owned equally by both spouses and will be divided equally in the event of a divorce. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as property acquired before the marriage or through inheritance or gift.

When combined with the "no-fault" divorce, courts in Washington care little about what is fair or just but what is equal. This can lead to some unexpected results, especially in cases where one spouse has significantly more assets than the other. The assumption is, if you got it during the marriage, you both own it equally regardless of who earned it, whose name is on the title, or whose behavior was bad.

The divorce process is designed to efficienctly end conflict

The process is to be completed in a specific order, and skipping steps or failing to follow the rules can lead to delays, additional costs, and even the dismissal of your case. Because divorce is such an emotionally charged experience, it is easy to make mistakes, overlook important details, or simply give up out of frustration. You only get one chance to do it right so work with an experienced family law attorney.

A background in business and technology law

Tracking assets, valuing property, and understanding the financial implications of divorce can be complex. John Phillips brings a unique perspective to family law cases, leveraging his expertise to help clients navigate the financial aspects of divorce with confidence and clarity, especially with the regions growing tech industry.