big city
(509) 327-1415Free Consultation
family divorce lawyer
avvo
5 stars
4.3
19 reviews

Spokane Divorce Attorney

While divorce is common, it can nonetheless be difficult for both spouses and their children. Fortunately, an experienced law firm can be an immense help. If you're in need of legal representation, the Spokane divorce attorneys at Hodgson Law Office are ready to listen and help you understand your options.
Free Consultation
about us

Compassionate and Effective Divorce Representation in Spokane, WA

family law attorney spokane
spokane family law attorney

We're Here to Help During Difficult Times

more about us
At Hodgson Law Office, we understand that every family law case is unique. With nearly two decades of experience, our Spokane divorce attorneys have successfully guided clients through complex child custody issues, asset division, and more.
We offer practical tools like our Washington Child Support Calculator to help you prepare for your case. Whether you're in Spokane County or the surrounding areas, we're ready to provide the personalized legal services you need to navigate your family law matter effectively.
more about us
practice areas

Divorce Matters We Handle

lawyer family and divorce

Contact Our Spokane Divorce Attorneys for a Consultation

Divorces can be painful and complicated, even when you're going through an uncontested divorce. Contact our divorce lawyers to schedule a free consultation and get sound legal advice you can count on.
Free Consultation
divorce attorney spokane
spokane divorce attorney

What Are the Grounds for Divorce in Washington?

Washington is a no-fault divorce state, which means neither party is obligated to prove that their spouse bears responsibility for the dissolution of the marriage.
To initiate a divorce, one spouse must simply claim that there's been an irredeemable breakdown of the marriage, also known as irreconcilable differences. Issues like adultery have no bearing on the court's decisions regarding alimony, division of property, or child custody.
To be eligible for a divorce, one or both spouses must demonstrate that:
  • The marriage is irretrievably broken
  • A petition has been made by the spouse desiring the divorce
  • The spouses have already gone through a 90-day waiting period
  • At least one spouse is a resident of Washington or stationed there as a member of the armed forces
Although divorces are no-fault in Washington, complications frequently arise that require the services of an attorney.
divorce lawyers spokane

The Divorce Process

In Washington, divorce proceedings officially begin with a petition to the court for a dissolution of marriage, which is served to the other spouse to notify them of the divorce. After this step, various considerations must be made before the divorce can be finalized, including:
If the divorce is uncontested or lightly contested, the divorcing spouses can work together to agree on most or all of the terms. In the case of a contested divorce, a judge must make these decisions.
spokane divorce lawyer

Divorce Filing Requirements in Washington State

To file for divorce in Washington State, the following criteria must be satisfied:
  • Legal Residency: At least one spouse must be a legal resident of Washington or a member of the armed forces stationed in the state; either spouse can file as long as one meets this residency requirement.
  • Claim of Irretrievable Breakdown: The filing spouse must believe that the marriage is strained beyond repair, indicating that there's no hope of reconciliation.
  • 90-Day Waiting Period: Washington imposes a mandatory 90-day waiting period from the date of filing before a divorce can be finalized.
  • Service of Summons: The other spouse must be served with the summons and divorce papers notifying them of the legal proceedings.
It's important to adhere to these requirements, seek dependable legal advice, and explore the resources provided by the Washington Courts when pursuing a divorce in the state.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Spokane Divorce Attorneys

Contact Hodgson Law Office today to arrange a free consultation with a Spokane family law attorney and get help navigating your divorce.
Free Consultation

Is It Worth Getting a Divorce Lawyer in Spokane, WA?

Dissolution of marriage isn't something to be taken lightly. It involves making legally binding decisions that will affect your life over the long term — often permanently.
An experienced divorce lawyer can help ensure that your interests are represented during divorce proceedings and offer the guidance you need to make informed decisions.
why us

Why Choose Our Spokane Divorce Attorney?

When it comes to choosing a divorce attorney, reputation is everything. Hodgson Law Office has years of experience successfully representing individuals in divorce and other family law cases in Spokane and throughout the state.
Choosing Hodgson Law Office means securing a team of capable legal advocates who offer the following benefits:
  • Free consultations
  • Online consultations and meetings
  • 20-plus years of experience
  • A passion for helping clients
  • We take the time to listen and craft our legal strategies based on each client's individual needs. You can rely on our team of family law attorneys to always have your best interests in mind during the divorce process.
Testimonials

Reviews from Our Clients

stars
I hired Mark Hodgson for a divorce in Spokane. He was open, friendly, and gave me great advice and counsel. Mark was honest with me about my case and worked hard to resolve all of my issues quickly. He responded to my phone calls and questions every time. He was WONDERFUL in my hearing and got me alimony, child support, and the parenting plan that my children needed. I had two other lawyers before Mark and he is far superior to my previous counsel. He fought hard for me and he knew the law. I would and will recommend him to everyone that i know.
Susan
stars
These situations are never easy. Deciding to get a lawyer then choosing one was a very hard decision. I spoke to a few people that have been thru divorce and Mark’s name came up more than once. I went and met with him, his business partners and Casey his assistant. They were all friendly, professional and most importantly for me nonjudgmental. He is very educated on divorce with children and keeps in mind what is best for the kids! He answered my questions and didn’t make me feel belittled as other lawyers did. Thank you Mark Hodgson and team you are all very appreciated!
Tricia
stars
Called Mark Wednesday the day before Thanksgiving. He got us in that Friday the day after Thanksgiving. We decided to hire him and he made the time to start the process of paperwork that Sunday. It was great he did this so my wife and I didn’t have to miss work and our case was a time sensitive issue. The few times I’ve had to emailed him he seem to get right back to us with answers.
John
our team

Meet Our Attorneys

Our firm's attorneys and legal assistants offer the experience and compassion you need to get through this trying time. Founding attorney and team leader Mark D. Hodgson, supported by skilled legal assistants, has faithfully represented clients in Washington State for more than 20 years. Together, they bring a unique appreciation of the sensitivity and individual nature of each client's circumstances.
Attorney

Mark D. Hodgson

I am committed to helping my clients through one of the most difficult times in their lives....
Mark D. Hodgson
our team
locations

Areas We Serve

Contact Hodgson Law Office to Get Your Divorce Case Review

The knowledgeable Spokane divorce attorneys at Hodgson Law Office are ready to discuss your case and help you explore your options for moving forward. Contact us today to arrange your no-cost consultation and get a trustworthy ally you can lean on.
* Communication through our website does not establish an attorney-client relationship between you and Hodgson Law Offices
Thank you!
Your message has been submitted
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
divorce and family law attorney near medivorce attorney family law

FAQ

  • Can my attorney represent both me and my spouse?

    No. Spouses must retain separate counsel for divorce proceedings. Along with the obvious conflict of interest, there are ethical rules in place preventing family law attorneys from representing both spouses during legal separations and divorces.

    ‍

    Even if both spouses agree to an amicable divorce, Spokane divorce attorneys must refrain from representing both spouses.

  • How much is a divorce in Spokane?

    Because every situation is different, it's impossible to estimate with any accuracy how much your divorce will cost. The average amount paid jointly by couples is around $10,000, but it can be much more or less depending on the relevant issues at play and any agreements between spouses.

  • What is the average cost for a lawyer in a divorce case?

    Spokane divorce attorneys may charge varying rates depending on their experience and the situation's complexity. Generally speaking, divorce lawyers might charge anywhere from $250 to $600 per hour for their services.

  • How long does a divorce take in Spokane, WA?

    A divorce in Washington state will take at least 90 days, which is the minimum required waiting period before a marriage can be dissolved. That said, many divorces take longer due to the procedures involved in property division, custody arrangements, and other post-marital concerns.

  • What’s the difference between divorce and legal separation?

    Divorce and legal separation differ in that a divorce officially dissolves the marriage and ends any legal relationship that once existed between the two spouses. With a legal separation, the marriage is still intact, even though a division of assets and other divorce-like proceedings may occur.

  • How are assets divided in a divorce?

    In Washington State, assets are divided under the principle of community property, which generally means that property and assets acquired during the marriage are split evenly between spouses.

    That said, the court may consider factors like individual financial contributions, the length of the marriage, and the needs of each spouse when determining fair and equitable distribution.