Legal Question in Family Law in Washington
HELP! Advice needed on signing Petition for Dissolution of Marriage!
My ex-wife-to-be has hired an attorney that drafted up a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and has placed me in there as a joinder respondent, if I choose to agree with it. For the most part, it looks okay, but just had some questions on the ''Relief Requested'' by petitioner (my ex-wife-to-be). First off, we agreed verbally to shared custody of my one child and no child support payment by either party. We also agreed to an even split on our assets and liabilities including our home. However, it seems that under the ''Relief Requested'' part, it mentions: ''Approve petitioner's proposed parenting plan for the dependent children''; ''Determine support for the dependent children pursuant to Washington State Child Support Schedule''; and ''Order payment of attorney's fees, other professional fees and costs'' among others. Does this sound contradictory to what we agreed upon? Would I be giving up much at the get-go if I sign this? Is there any way to approach this through a neutral party as opposed to two separate client/attorney relationships?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: HELP! Advice needed on signing Petition for Dissolution of Marriage!
The best thing you can do is hire an attorney to represent you in handling your dissolution. You may have heard the expression, "The attorney who represents himself has a fool for a client." Let me tell you, it is true.
The second best thing to do is at least hire an attorney to review the petition and other documents to advise you on what they mean and what your options are at this time.
The third (and not the best option) is based on the facts you've provided. I would say ask her attorney to reword the petition to remove that which you find objectionable as to attorney's fees and other costs. As far as child support is concerned, neither of you has a right to forego support that is intended for your child, however, you can deviate from the support schedule with court approval.
As far as the parenting plan goes, have you read what the other side is proposing? It sounds as if you've only seen the petition, in which case I would strongly advise that you not sign it until you've seen all the documents mentioned in the petition.
If you need help, please feel free to call my office for a free consultation. Good luck.
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