Ending a Marriage
When you’re facing the end of a marriage, it can be a difficult and emotional time. At Cascade Legal Solutions, we are here to guide you through the legal process and help you navigate the challenges that come with divorce, legal separation, and other legal options. We are committed to protecting your rights and advocating for your best interests, whether it’s negotiating a fair settlement or representing you in court. We understand the complexities of Family Law and are dedicated to finding the best solution for you and your family. We will help you move forward with confidence and start the next chapter of your life.
What are my options?
Amicable Resolution
An amicable resolution is a process in which the spouses work with a single lawyer, or each have their own lawyer, who work together to negotiate a settlement outside of court. The goal is to reach a mutually beneficial agreement on all issues including division of property, maintenance (alimony), and all issues related to children without the need for costly and time-consuming litigation. The parties agree to be honest and transparent throughout the process and may bring in neutral experts, such as financial planners or real estate brokers, to help resolve issues. If this process fails and the parties only used one lawyer, then the parties must retain new lawyers. If the parties each used their own lawyer, it is up to that lawyer whether they are willing to continue representation after the amicable process has failed.
A divorce is a legal process that dissolves a marriage, ending the legal and financial obligations between the spouses. It typically involves filing a petition for divorce, serving notice to the other spouse, and going through a court proceeding to settle issues such as division of assets & debts, child-related issues, and spousal maintenance (alimony).
Legal separation is a process that results in court orders that separate a couple’s finances and responsibilities, without actually getting a divorce. It sets out the rights and obligations of each spouse, including child-related issues, spousal maintenance (alimony), and division of assets & debts while the couple remains legally married. Legal separation is usually sought for religious reasons, tax purposes, or to maintain health insurance coverage.
Invalidation (Annulment)
Invalidating a marriage results in a court order declaring the marriage void (as if it never happened). It is a rare option that can be pursued in certain circumstances, such as if one spouse was already married, if the marriage was entered into fraudulently or under duress, or if one spouse lacked the mental capacity to consent to the marriage.