Everett Legal Issues Blog

There are a few ways to get through the divorce process. In the state of Washington, mediation is something that courts want to see couples try before they turn to litigation. Mediation involves each party meeting in a neutral location with a neutral third party to negotiate settlement terms. While it is possible to go through the entire mediation and divorce process without the assistance of legal counsel, doing so is not necessarily advised.

Those who choose to go through mediation without the assistance of an experienced divorce attorney on their side chance walking away from their marriages with settlement terms that do not serve their best interests. A mediator can answer a lot of one's questions and can make sure each party is aware of state laws regarding specific issues, but he or she is prohibited from siding with either party or assisting one side achieve a better settlement. This is why one might wish to have legal counsel present at mediation sessions or, at least, have an attorney review any proposed terms before one signs off on them. Attorney involvement can be as much as one feels is necessary.

One of the greatest concerns for divorcing parents is often protecting their children from the tension, squabbles and other negative things that can occur during this difficult time. You may be among those Washington parents who try to keep your children insulated from your marital struggles, but when it comes to custody matters, it may be impossible to protect them entirely.

You may hope that you and your ex could co-parent civilly and place the needs of your children ahead of your personal conflicts and hurt feelings. While you may be willing to take the high road, what can you do when you simply cannot stand to be around your ex?

Narcissism is a personality disorder that more people seem to have now than in years past. A narcissist is someone who, in short, is a selfish bully. He or she can seem charming and loving one minute and then emotionally abusive and cruel the next. Washington residents who are currently in relationships with people who have this mental disorder, and wish to file for divorce, can certainly do so. They just need to be ready to expect a fight.

When a narcissist feels slighted in any way, he or she will hang on to those feelings. These individuals struggle through divorce and may not move on even when their relationships are over. When going through the dissolution process, narcissists are often unwilling to compromise. They are angry, vindictive and will do what they can to limit how much their spouses receive in their divorce settlements -- particularly when it comes to the terms regarding children and finances.

Getting a divorce is a major life event. Whether you spent a few years together or a few decades together, it's never easy. If you are about to start this process or are in the beginnings of it, you and your future former spouse may have decided that you don't want to end up in court, especially if you have children.

You think that mediation would be the best route in your case, but you aren't sure. In addition, you aren't sure how to pick a mediator. The information below may help.