Same-Sex Divorce Lawyer Kitsap County, WA
If you and your same-sex spouse are considering legal separation or divorce, it’s important to speak with an experienced same-sex divorce lawyer Kitsap County, WA residents trust – and to do so as early in your divorce or separation process as possible. Depending on when you and your spouse were wed, you could face some legal hurdles unique to same-sex couples. Additionally, you’ll want to be as informed as possible so that you can navigate both the legal and practical “sides” of your situation as successfully as possible. When couples separate or divorce, the weight of all the issues that must be properly addressed in a timely fashion can be overwhelming, to say the least. It’s important that you understand that you don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. Our Kitsap County, WA same-sex divorce lawyer team is here to help.
Practical Issues to Consider While Divorcing
When you schedule a consultation with our firm, we’ll start walking you through the process of divorce or legal separation. We’ll let you know what to expect from each process and answer any questions you may have about our approach to client advocacy. However, it will be important for you to keep in mind that there are several things you’ll need to take care of outside of the formal legal process before your divorce or separation is finalized. Failure to address these “practical matters” now can impact your case and, perhaps most importantly, cause you unnecessary stress down the road.
First, you’ll want to update your estate planning documents, insurance policies, and any other accounts that list your spouse as a beneficiary. If your spouse has a financial stake in any of these accounts, please consult us before changing your beneficiary designation as you may need to complete these tasks at a specific point in the legal process to avoid becoming wrapped in red tape. If you don’t change your beneficiary designations and something happens to you, your spouse may receive these assets or your other intended beneficiaries may have to go to court to “sort out” your wishes and to hopefully have those wishes enforced.
Second, you’ll want to ensure that you have a bank account and credit card in your own name. You may not be able to move assets over to this account or take on new debt until a certain point in your legal process, but you’ll want to have these accounts in place once your divorce is finalized, at the absolute latest. Otherwise, it can become difficult to detangle your income and debt from your spouse’s if your accounts remain merged moving forward.
Legal Assistance Is Available
If you and your spouse are of the same sex, you’ll want to consult with an attorney who has experience working with same-sex couples. While it isn’t always the case, some same-sex couples face unique legal hurdles as they divorce, especially if they were married before same-sex unions were legalized nationwide. Similarly, if you and your same-sex spouse are interested in obtaining a legal separation, please consult with the experienced Washington legal team at Robinson & Hadeed today. Our Kitsap County, WA same-sex divorce lawyer team will be happy to advise you of your legal options and to advocate on your behalf accordingly; we look forward to speaking with you.
