Everett, Washington Family, Divorce & Collaborative Lawyer

Law Firm Overview

The Law Office of Robert N. Getz is a dedicated law firm in Everett, Washington. Robert N. Getz has been an attorney for over twenty years. He limits his practice to the areas of plaintiff's personal injury, family law and real estate.

Few events in life cause as much anguish as that which comes with the breakdown of family relationships. Setting aside emotions clearly to consider future needs and direction is difficult; navigating the maze of laws, court rules and legal terminology can make the situation seem impossible. Robert N. Getz helps each client with clear explanations and frank advice.

His practice includes the following: Dissolution of Marriage (including complex financial and property issues); Legal Separations; Domestic Partnerships (living together for an extended period of time); Child Custody (including complex child custody issues); Paternity actions; Modifications of Parenting Plans; Pre-nuptial agreements; Wills, living wills and powers of attorney; Other related family law matters.

Year this Office was Established: 1990

Areas of Law

Additional Areas of Law: Domestic Partnerships; Restraining Orders; Division of Property and Debts; Parenting Plan.

Areas of Law Description

The Law Office of Robert N. Getz offers legal representation on the following areas:

- Family Law

Our firm represents clients for their family law concerns in the following areas, among others: Dissolution of Marriage (including complex financial and property issues); Legal Separations; Domestic Partnerships (living together for an extended period of time); Child Custody (including complex child custody issues); Paternity actions; Modifications of Parenting Plans; Pre-nuptial agreements; Wills, living wills and powers of attorney.

* Divorce Mediation
Mediation services are available through some organizations such as the Dispute Resolution Center of the Volunteers of America. Often, where there are complex legal issues your attorney may suggest that you agree to employ a "professional" mediator from a pool of former judges, court commissioner's, retired, or practicing attorneys who agreed to mediate cases for a fee. Normally you will be requested to advance a fee deposit to cover the expected length of time of the mediation.

* Restraining Orders
During the pendency of a dissolution proceeding, parties may try to harass one another, sell property or try other ways to obtain the upper hand. Generally, each party seeks to preserve the status quo for himself or herself as much as possible. To frustrate self-serving actions and to protect you from the indiscriminate actions of your spouse, we may ask the court to issue temporary orders which may include a temporary restraining order. We will discuss with you whether your case necessitates such a hearing.

* Spousal Maintenance
Maintenance (formerly called alimony) may be ordered where there is a demonstrated need for it on the part of one party and the ability to pay on the part of the other. Marital misconduct is not considered in setting maintenance. Maintenance is sometimes awarded temporarily pending trial, but the Court is usually reluctant to award post-divorce maintenance except in the neediest circumstances.

* Division of Property and Debts
As part of the dissolution, the Court makes a disposition of the property and liabilities of the parties, either community or separate, as appears "just and equitable" to the Court after considering all relevant factors. This means there is no basis to assume property and debts automatically are split 50/50. There also is no basis to assume that property over which there is disagreement will be sold -- that very rarely is ordered.

* Parenting Plan
Whenever there are minor children, the Court must enter a final parenting plan as a part of concluding the case. A Petitioner is expected to file such a plan within 30 days of filing the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (or Legal Separation). If temporary orders are necessary, then a temporary parenting plan normally is entered. Often the temporary plan that is adopted becomes the basis for the final plan. The Court must examine several factors when adopting a parenting plan.

- Personal Injury

Helping people to heal and recover from serious injuries is more than just obtaining financial compensation for automobile accidents and other bodily injuries. Explaining the process, providing the knowledge of what is involved and actively establishing each claim lets the victim focus energy on healing. Anything less may prevent fully getting back to the life enjoyed before injury. Robert N. Getz ensures each client's needs receive compassionate understanding and careful attention to individual circumstances. If you have had an accident or need to consult with a personal injury attorney, the Law Office of Robert N. Getz can help.

Attorneys

Mr. Robert N. Getz Attorney Family Law, Personal Injury, Real Estate

More Information on The Law Office of Robert N. Getz

Everett, Washington Divorce Law Firm
Personal Injury Lawyer in Everett, Washington
Everett, WA Divorce Planning Attorney
Restraining Orders Law Firm in Everett, WA
Everett, WA Spousal Maintenance Lawyer
Divorce Mediation Attorney in Everett, WA
Grounds for Dissolution in Washington