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Puyallup Family Law Firm

Protecting Your Family and Legacy Through Any Path Life Takes You

Schedule Your Consultation Call 253-525-5823

Puyallup Family Law Attorneys

We Provide Personalized, Hands-On Representation

Family law disputes can leave you feeling overwhelmed, vulnerable, and unsure where to turn. Whether you’re facing a divorce, navigating child custody, or working through a parenting plan, these moments affect more than just your legal rights—they touch your relationships, your financial stability, and your emotional well-being. You need a Puyallup family law attorney who offers more than legal advice—you need someone who listens, guides, and fiercely protects what matters most to you.

Bliss Law Group is a boutique family law firm known for providing compassionate, strategic legal counsel to families across Puyallup and Pierce County. Led by an experienced team of professionals who focus exclusively on family law, we understand the emotional and legal complexity of these cases. Our client testimonials reflect our commitment to delivering personalized solutions and real results. If you’re ready to move forward with clarity and strength, contact us today or call (253) 525-5823 for a confidential consultation.

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Contact Our Puyallup Family Law Attorneys The Puyallup family law attorneys at Bliss Law Group are here to help you with any type of family law issues in Washington State that you might be facing.

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Proudly Serving All of Pierce, Thurston, Lewis & Mason Counties

Our Mission

At Bliss Law Group, we are more than attorneys—we are warriors for familiesarchitects of stability, and champions of change. We believe family law isn’t just about cases—it’s about lives, legacies, and futures.

Our mission is to change the conversation around family law—shifting it from fear and conflict to strategy, strength, and resolution. We meet families at a crossroads, and guide them through life’s most pivotal moments with clarity, heart, and unwavering advocacy, so they can reclaim a future they’re excited about.

We don’t just practice law. We protect families, rewrite legacies, and shape brighter futures—for this generation and the next.

Explore Our Mission & Values

Family Law Services in Puyallup, Washington

Family law encompasses a wide range of legal matters affecting families and domestic relationships. In Puyallup and throughout Washington state, family law attorneys provide comprehensive services to help clients navigate challenging life transitions while protecting their rights and interests.

Washington state family law has its own distinct features and requirements that make local legal expertise invaluable. From the state’s community property laws to specific procedures in Pierce County courts, working with a Puyallup family law attorney ensures your case benefits from knowledge of local practices, relationships with court personnel, and familiarity with local judges’ preferences.

The value of local representation cannot be overstated when it comes to family law matters. A Puyallup attorney brings not only legal expertise but also a deep understanding of the community resources available to support you through this transition. From recommending counselors and financial advisors to knowing which mediators have the best track records, a local attorney provides comprehensive support that extends beyond the courtroom.

Divorce Representation in Puyallup

Washington is a “no-fault” divorce state, meaning that either spouse can file for divorce by simply stating that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.” To file for divorce in Puyallup, either you or your spouse must be a resident of Washington state, though there’s no specific length of residency required.

Divorces generally fall into two categories: contested and uncontested. In an uncontested divorce, both parties agree on all issues, including property division, child custody, and support matters. These cases can be resolved more quickly and with less expense. Contested divorces, where spouses disagree on one or more key issues, typically require more extensive legal representation and sometimes court intervention.

Washington is a community property state, meaning that all property and debts acquired during the marriage are generally considered to be owned equally by both spouses. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean everything will be divided exactly 50/50. Courts aim for a “just and equitable” division, considering factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s economic circumstances, and contributions to the marriage.

In Pierce County, divorces typically take at least 90 days from filing to finalization due to the mandatory waiting period required by Washington law. However, contested divorces can take substantially longer—sometimes 6-12 months or more—depending on the complexity of the issues and the court’s schedule.

Experienced Puyallup divorce attorneys guide clients through every step of the process, from filing the initial petition to negotiating settlement agreements and representing clients in court when necessary. They provide strategic advice on property division, support issues, and parenting plans while helping clients make informed decisions that serve their long-term interests.

Child Custody and Parenting Plans

In Washington state, courts use the term “parenting plan” rather than “custody” to outline how parents will share time with their children and make decisions about their upbringing. When creating parenting plans, Washington courts prioritize the best interests of the child, considering factors such as each parent’s relationship with the child, the child’s developmental needs, and each parent’s ability to meet those needs.

There are various arrangements possible within a parenting plan. Some parents share residential time equally, while in other cases, children primarily reside with one parent while having regular visitation with the other. Decision-making authority regarding education, healthcare, and other major issues can be shared or assigned primarily to one parent.

When circumstances change notably—such as a parent relocating, changing jobs, or concerns arising about a child’s safety or well-being—existing parenting plans can be modified. However, courts generally require evidence of a substantial change in circumstances that makes the current plan unworkable or contrary to the child’s best interests.

Skilled family law attorneys in Puyallup employ various strategies to advocate for their clients in custody matters. While always encouraging parents to reach agreements through negotiation or mediation when possible, they’re also prepared to present compelling evidence and arguments in court when litigation becomes necessary. They focus on developing parenting plans that protect their clients’ parent-child relationships while ensuring the children’s needs remain paramount.

Child Support Matters

Washington state has established guidelines for calculating child support based primarily on both parents’ incomes, the number of children, and the amount of time the children spend with each parent. These calculations consider costs such as healthcare, education, daycare, and extracurricular activities.

Several factors can affect support determinations, including special needs of the children, substantial income disparities between parents, or extraordinary expenses. Courts may deviate from the standard calculation when circumstances warrant.

In Pierce County, child support orders can be enforced through various mechanisms, including wage garnishment, contempt proceedings, or involvement of the Division of Child Support. A Puyallup family law attorney can help you understand and use these enforcement tools when necessary.

When important changes occur in either parent’s financial situation or the children’s needs, support orders can be modified. Examples include job loss, substantial income increases, or changes in the parenting plan. Your attorney can guide you through the modification process, helping you demonstrate why an adjustment is warranted.

For parents with complex income situations—such as self-employment, seasonal work, or significant bonuses—calculating child support can be challenging. Experienced Puyallup family law attorneys know how to properly document and present income information to ensure support calculations are fair and accurate.

Legal Separation in Washington

Legal separation provides an alternative for couples who wish to live apart but remain legally married. Unlike divorce, legal separation doesn’t terminate the marriage but does establish legally binding arrangements regarding property, support, and children.

For some couples, legal separation offers important advantages. It may allow spouses to maintain health insurance coverage, preserve religious principles that discourage divorce, or provide a trial period before deciding whether to reconcile or proceed with divorce. It can also address immediate concerns about finances and parenting while giving both parties time to consider their long-term plans.

Washington law allows either spouse to convert a legal separation to divorce after six months have passed since the separation decree was entered.

A comprehensive separation agreement addresses all the same issues as a divorce, including property division, debt allocation, spousal maintenance, child custody, and support. Working with a knowledgeable Puyallup family law attorney ensures your separation agreement protects your interests and provides clarity for both parties during this transitional period.

Domestic Violence Protection

Washington state law provides strong protections for survivors of domestic violence, including various types of protection orders designed to prevent further harm. These orders can prohibit contact, require the abusive party to leave a shared home, establish temporary custody arrangements, and provide other important safeguards.

In Pierce County, individuals can obtain protection orders by filing a petition with the Superior Court or District Court, depending on the type of order sought. In emergency situations, temporary orders can be granted immediately, followed by a full hearing within 14 days where both parties have the opportunity to present evidence.

Domestic violence allegations can considerably impact other family law proceedings, particularly those involving children. Courts take these issues very seriously when determining parenting arrangements, often requiring supervised visitation or special provisions to ensure children’s safety.

For those in immediate danger, immediate legal assistance is available. Many Puyallup family law attorneys offer priority consultations for domestic violence situations and can help clients obtain emergency protection orders quickly. They can also connect clients with local resources for safety planning, including shelters, counseling, and support groups.

Property Division in Washington Family Law

As a community property state, Washington presumes that all property and debts acquired during marriage belong equally to both spouses. However, separate property—assets owned before marriage or received as gifts or inheritances during marriage—generally remains with the original owner.

The property division process begins with identifying and valuing all assets and debts. This can be straightforward for common assets like bank accounts and vehicles, but becomes more complex with businesses, retirement accounts, investment portfolios, and real estate. Skilled family law attorneys work with financial experts when necessary to ensure accurate valuations.

For business owners, professionals with practices, or couples with substantial investments, property division needs specialized knowledge. Issues such as business valuation, stock options, pension plans, and tax implications demand careful analysis and strategic planning. Experienced Puyallup family law attorneys have the expertise to handle these complex matters effectively.

Debt allocation is an equally important aspect of property division. Mortgages, credit card debt, student loans, and business debts must be addressed in the final settlement. Your attorney will work to ensure you’re not unfairly burdened with shared debts or held responsible for your spouse’s separate obligations.

Spousal Maintenance (Alimony)

In Washington, spousal maintenance (commonly called alimony) may be awarded to support a spouse who needs financial assistance after divorce. Unlike child support, there’s no standard formula for calculating maintenance. Instead, courts consider numerous factors when determining maintenance:

  • Length of the marriage
  • Each spouse’s financial resources and needs
  • Age and health of both parties
  • Time needed for the recipient to become self-supporting
  • Standard of living established during the marriage
  • Ability of the paying spouse to meet their own needs while providing support

Maintenance awards vary widely in amount and duration, generally falling into several categories:

  • Short-term maintenance: Usually awarded after brief marriages to help the recipient transition to self-sufficiency.
  • Rehabilitative maintenance: Provided to support a spouse while they gain education or training to improve employment prospects.
  • Long-term or permanent maintenance: More common in lengthy marriages where one spouse has limited earning capacity after dedicating years to family care.
  • Temporary maintenance: Awarded during the divorce process to maintain financial stability until the final decree.

The specific circumstances of your case will greatly influence the maintenance determination. Working with an experienced family law attorney helps ensure the court considers all relevant factors when making these important financial decisions.

Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution

Mediation offers numerous benefits for resolving family law disputes:

  • Lower costs compared to traditional litigation
  • Enhanced privacy by keeping disputes out of public court records
  • Greater control over the final outcome for both parties
  • Faster resolution than typical court proceedings
  • Preservation of relationships, especially important for ongoing co-parenting
  • Reduced emotional stress through a more collaborative approach

Collaborative law represents another alternative dispute resolution approach available in Puyallup. In this process, both parties and their attorneys commit to resolving issues without court intervention, often working with a team of professionals including financial specialists, child specialists, and mental health professionals. This holistic approach addresses both legal and emotional aspects of family transitions.

While these alternative approaches work well for many families, they aren’t appropriate for every situation. Your Puyallup family law attorney can help evaluate whether mediation, collaborative law, or traditional litigation best suits your specific circumstances and goals.

The Family Law Court Process in Pierce County

Family law cases in Pierce County follow specific procedures that local attorneys understand thoroughly. From initial filings to final orders, each step requires proper documentation and adherence to court rules. Missed deadlines or incomplete filings can notably delay your case or even result in adverse rulings.

Required documentation varies by case type but typically includes financial declarations, parenting plans, child support worksheets, and asset/debt inventories. Pierce County may have local forms in addition to state-required documents. Your attorney ensures all paperwork is complete, accurate, and filed timely.

Timeline expectations differ based on case complexity and type. Simple, uncontested matters may be resolved in a few months, while complex cases involving substantial assets or contested custody issues can take a year or longer. Understanding realistic timeframes helps clients plan accordingly and manage expectations.

Choosing the Right Puyallup Family Law Attorney

When selecting a family law attorney in Puyallup, several key qualifications merit consideration:

  • Substantial experience specifically in family law
  • Familiarity with Pierce County courts and local procedures
  • Specialized training in areas relevant to your case (collaborative law, high-asset divorce, etc.)
  • Professional memberships and peer recognition in the field
  • track record of success in cases similar to yours

During initial consultations, be prepared to ask potential attorneys important questions:

  • What is your approach to cases like mine?
  • What is your communication style and availability?
  • Who will handle different aspects of my case?
  • What is your success rate in achieving clients’ goals?
  • How do you prefer to resolve disputes (negotiation, mediation, litigation)?

Understanding fee structures is also critical when choosing your legal representation. Family law attorneys in Puyallup charge varying hourly rates and retainer fees depending on their experience, the complexity of your case, and their fee structure. It’s advisable to discuss fees during your initial consultation.

Are You Going Through a Divorce? – We Can Help

The family law attorneys at Bliss Law Group are here to help you with any type of family law issues in Washington State that you might be facing. We have offices in both Tacoma and Olympia. Our attorneys exist, first and foremost, to protect you and your family. We protect your family by assisting with family law needs. Family law needs include divorcechild custodychild support, and modification of orders.

At our firm, we take the time to understand your unique situation and goals. We work diligently to achieve the best possible outcome, using methods like mediation or collaborative law within Pierce County and the surrounding areas. When necessary, we are fully prepared to protect your rights and interests through litigation. Our priority is to provide a level of attention and care that ensures you feel supported and informed throughout the entire process.

Contact us today to set up your first consultation.

We Are Here For Our Clients

At Bliss Law Group, we believe that exceeding the expectations of our clients is the best indicator of our success.

The following clients have direct experience with our company’s procedures, and they’ve seen us fight hard on their behalf.

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Common Questions About Family Law in Puyallup

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering a divorce, it’s likely that you have many questions about the process. We understand how overwhelming this can be, which is why we want to answer your questions and ease any concerns you may have.

Got a Question We Didn’t Cover?

Contact our experienced Puyallup family law attorneys today. If you are considering or facing a divorce, we want to help you.

Let the Puyallup family law attorneys at Bliss Law Group review your case and guide you through the best steps to take care of your life and your future. Contact us today to set up your first consultation.

+ How much does a family law attorney in Puyallup typically cost?

Family law attorneys in Puyallup charge varying hourly rates and retainer fees depending on their experience, the complexity of your case, and their fee structure. It’s advisable to discuss fees during your initial consultation.

+ How long does a divorce take in Puyallup, Washington?

A divorce in Puyallup takes a minimum of 90 days from filing to finalization due to Washington’s mandatory waiting period, but contested cases often take 6-12 months or longer. Factors that extend timelines include court congestion, complex asset division, custody disputes, and discovery delays. Uncontested divorces with full agreements can be finalized shortly after the waiting period ends.

+ Can I modify a child custody or support order in Washington?

Yes, child custody and support orders in Washington can be modified when there has been a substantial change in circumstances since the original order was entered. The legal standard requires demonstrating that conditions have changed notably and that modification serves the child’s best interests.

+ How is property divided in a Washington divorce?

Washington courts divide property equitably, aiming for a fair (though not necessarily equal) distribution of community property while generally respecting separate property ownership.

+ What happens if my spouse refuses to participate in the divorce?

If your spouse refuses to participate after being properly served, you can request a default judgment from the court, allowing your divorce to proceed without their involvement. Washington requires personal service of divorce papers unless the court approves alternative service methods. Once the response deadline passes without action from your spouse, you can file for default.

Our Tacoma Law Office

Address:

2112 N 30th St Ste. A, Tacoma, WA 98403

(Get Directions)

Hours:

M-F, 8:30AM – 5:00PM

Phone:

253-525-5823

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