Seattle Divorce Services:Innovative Approaches. Reasonable Solutions.
You don’t have to expect the worst for your divorce. Even complex, high asset divorces can be handled efficiently and respectfully. Lawyers can help parents find ways to work together for their children — even when cooperating seems impossible. We have seen how the right approach can turn a case around to obtain results our clients never imagined.
If You Could Choose, What Would You Want?
- More problem-solving, less fighting
- Experienced and compassionate advice
- Resolutions tailored to your needs
- A clear plan for successful co-parenting
- Dispute resolution options
We Believe That:
- Complex cases need a more sophisticated approach.
- Creativity can help achieve favorable divorce outcomes, even for the most complicated divorces.
- Skillful and compassionate negotiation creates better and more cost-effective results.
- Healthy family restructuring starts with preserving relationships whenever possible.
Litigation
Litigation refers to resolving matters through the courts and negotiating settlements based on what a court is likely to do. An important part of the process is helping you define your goals and helping plan the process for working toward those goals.
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Collaboration
Collaborative divorce is a nonadversarial way for divorce attorneys to work together to help their respective clients resolve their divorce issues. In a collaborative process, we seek to help the parties handle their conflict without causing further damage to the relationship.
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Mediation
Mediation is a process in which opposing parties attempt to reach an agreement outside of court with the help of a neutral third-party facilitator. This can be a good option for couples who have less need for professional advice in their negotiations.
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Court
We work to de-escalate conflict rather than create it, because unneeded legal brawling accomplishes little while costing a great deal. As experienced divorce attorneys, we work to efficiently negotiate a positive result for you. In court, we prefer to focus on solutions rather than personal attacks.
Tailored Negotiations
We believe that when we can reach carefully crafted negotiated agreements, with solutions tailored to your specific needs and circumstances, the agreements will be more durable, you will be happier with the results, and your needs and the needs of your children will be better met.
Dispute Resolution
In addition to traditional representation, we often use the collaborative approach, working with a professional team to address the emotional, financial, parenting, and legal needs of both parties to develop creative solutions to tough issues. We also provide mediation if that is a better fit for the client.
Low-Cost Consultation
Since your circumstances are unique, we offer a low-cost consultation to help you better understand your options. Contact us to schedule a time to come in to talk about your divorce situation and how we might be able to help you.
Janel Ostrem
Dedicated Advocate, Tailored Approach
Mark Alexander
Sound advice, calm presence, clear explanations
Theresa R. Lorella
Helping You Be Heard
Nathan Cliber
Creative and Compassionate Transitions
Michael V. Fancher
Managing Attorney
Seattle Divorce Services made me comfortable by giving me a clear understanding of the process I was going to enter. Knowing the steps made for a better experience. Mark was personable and gave very fast responses to my questions and opposing council.
Although divorce is downright awful for pretty much everyone involved, I am grateful for Seattle Divorce Services. My attorney, his paralegal, and even the receptionist were all so kind and attentive during some truly difficult times in my life. I am especially appreciative of the professionalism and calm demeanor that my attorney brought to the table when I felt anything but. I would give them more stars if I could.
I worked with Mark Alexander on my divorce. I hired him as my pro se attorney while doing most of the paperwork and legwork myself. His calm demeanor and knowledge about maneuvering the legal system and not allowing me to give up my rights and desires was invaluable. He was especially helpful guiding me through the online court system for submissions and locating progress reports. Mark was so professional and retained a personal touch throughout this painful journey.
I'm an attorney, practicing in business law, estate planning and probate. When I got divorced, I thought it was important to obtain quality legal representation for two reasons. First, I do not practice family law. Second, I do not think it's wise for an attorney to represent herself. I know many family law attorneys in Seattle. I chose to work with Mike Fancher at Seattle Divorce Services. I received excellent representation, good customer service, and high quality legal advice. I highly recommend this firm.
I just wrapped my divorce process and worked with Janel Ostrem at Seattle Divorce Services for it. I am incredibly pleased with the outcome, the representation I received, and the entire process along the way. We settled via mediation, and Janel was able to flex on both collaborative style and, when it was needed, being litigious. She was incredibly efficient, which was great in that it kept my costs down. Best, though, she was able to get me and keep me focused on the right 'bigger picture' issues, which at times was a challenge for me in getting caught up in the moment and the immediate issue or argument at hand. In the end, that was critical in getting me to a positive, cost-effective settlement. I highly recommend Janel and SDS and would be happy to share more of my experiences if it would be helpful to anyone evaluating and choosing a divorce lawyer.