Family Law News

Service of an Attorney

Washington law does not require that the services of an attorney be used in dissolution proceedings. However, ending a marriage involves serious and complex legal and financial considerations. Along with serving as your advocate and negotiator, a lawyer knows the process to follow and which papers to file. Your attorney can advise you of your legal rights and obligations, can help reach settlement on disputes, and can represent you in enforcing your rights.

Among alternatives to having a lawyer represent each spouse are self-help guidebooks and mediation with the help of a trained professional. The costs — and consequences — of each option can vary significantly, so spouses should carefully consider the possibilities before proceeding.

Deciding which approach to follow and selecting a lawyer are personal matters. Each party has the right to use an attorney, so if one person elects not to, the other still can.

Costs and Payments

Lawyers set their own fees, so costs and payment arrangements may vary. An important factor in controlling costs is whether or not the parties agree to settlement. If matters are contested, the process is likely to be more expensive, since many attorneys base their fees on an hourly rate. The amount of time a lawyer must spend on a case will increase with the number of disputed issues, and with the complexity of the issues.

It is appropriate to discuss fees with a lawyer at the outset of a case. Your lawyer will be willing to explain the charges involved, including retainers and hourly rates, court costs, and payment or credit arrangements.

A Pennsylvania lawyer who specializes in the new field of Internet Law can assist you with all of your legal worries pertaining to Internet / Cyber laws. From assistance in patent application to filing claims of infringement, an Internet lawyer will help you with any topic of concern. Contact us know.

	Did You Know?
	You may be able to leave your pension to your spouse or child. In general, if you are married, your spouse is entitled to a portion of your pension if you die first. There is some cost to that, however, that usually serves to reduce the monthly retirement payments you would have received if the benefits were to be paid just during your lifetime. If you and your spouse agree, you can waive this survivor benefit protection, and/or sometimes name some other person(s) (such as a child) as your beneficiary. Consult with your family lawyer and review the plan summary carefully to find out your rights and responsibilities in this area.