Family Law
People facing divorce no longer have to navigate the system alone nor deplete limited financial resources on traditional representation by an attorney. Tracy Swanlund, paralegal with the Gourley Law Group since 2004, is one of the first Limited Licensed Legal Technicians licensed by the Washington State Bar Association in Family Law.
Washington is the first state in the country to offer an affordable legal support option to help meet the needs of those unable to afford the services of an attorney. Legal Technicians, also known as Limited License Legal Technicians (LLLT), are currently trained and licensed to advise and assist people going through family-law matters in Washington State. They can consult and advise, complete and file necessary court documents, help with court scheduling, and support clients navigating the often-confusing legal system. An LLLT, compared to an attorney, is like a nurse practitioner compared to a medical doctor; both are well-trained, qualified, and competent professionals who provide you with the help you need.
Practice Areas
Family legal affairs deal with the things that matter to you the most – your life, your loved ones, and your home. Retaining qualified, passionate advocates to handle these high-stakes legal matters is essential. Gourley Law Group understands what it takes to successfully navigate clients through:
Divorce
There are several options for couples that have decided to go their separate ways. Because Washington is a “no-fault” state, you do not need to prove the other spouse was the reason for divorce; you must only prove irreconcilable differences.
Divorce may also involve
- dividing property, assets, and debts,
- awarding alimony, and
- creating a child support and custody agreement.
Our diligent divorce LLLT will assist with the following:
- Completing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage;
- Arranging for your spouse to receive copies of the summons and petition;
- Drafting the responses to a petition as well as a counter-petition;
- Requesting temporary orders when children are involved;
- Collecting information from your spouse and relevant parties during the discovery phase;
- Collaborating with the other party toward a fair settlement;
- Representing you in a trial if you are unable to resolve all the issues;
- And more!
Legal Technician Tracy Swanlund will lead you from the initiation of divorce to completion. She will prepare the legal documents necessary to initiate and finalize a divorce with the court for the following flat fee. However, you will be required to present the completed documents to the court yourself at the final hearing:
- Divorce without children: $450
- Divorce with children: $2000
Please note that court fees and costs are not included.
Child Support
In Washington, both parents are legally obligated to financially support their children. Child support is calculated by considering the parents’ combined income, the number of children, the children’s ages, and the custody arrangement.
Gourley Law Group can assist by outlining your child’s needs, compromising on a support agreement, enforcing orders, and providing guidance if the other parent is unemployed or under-employed. Our attorneys and Legal Technician can also assist with child support adjustments and modifications.
Child Custody
Every family is different, so it is only natural that custody agreements vary, too. The family attorneys and Legal Technician at Gourley Law Group work aggressively for the best interests of our clients and their children in all aspects of the custody process.
Our family law experts create personalized plans that reflect the goals and priorities of our clients. In addition, we guide clients through modifications of their parenting or custody plans in and out of court.
Give Us A Call!
If you live in Snohomish or Western Washington State and need family legal services, contact The Gourley Law Group at (360) 323-2885 today.
Call Now For Expert Assistance
(360) 323-2885