Emily Raszler

Divorce does not have to be acrimonious, but it is an extremely difficult and stressful time in anyone’s life. When you begin the divorce process, it can be hard to imagine what your life will look like in a year’s time. My goal is to help you imagine a future where you are thriving, and then guide you in making decisions to achieve that future.

I believe that litigation should not be the default strategy and that cooperation and compromise create the best outcomes for everyone, especially parents and children. When children are involved, my guiding principle is to keep life as calm and stable for them as possible. Divorce is a big shift in any family structure, but it does not need to be tumultuous. When the child’s best interest and emotional support is everyone’s top priority, divorce can feel more like a bumpy road and less like a rollercoaster.

Occasionally, compromise and cooperation are not enough, and we need the court to step in and make a decision. If that occurs, I will work with you to present organized and convincing information to the judicial officer so that they can make the best, well-informed decision possible. Ideally, you will never have to see the inside of a courtroom. But if it happens, mudslinging is not required (or recommended) to obtain a good outcome.

While many family law cases involve fairly straightforward questions of dividing assets and debts, sometimes there are thornier issues such as substance abuse, domestic violence, or mental health struggles. I approach each case non-judgmentally. The safety and well-being of you and your children is always the priority and I believe in bringing in other professionals to provide support, facilitate healing, and offer treatment when necessary.

A successful attorney-client relationship requires trust and a good fit. I want to learn what makes you and your family unique, and to understand your unique challenges. I believe it is my job to present you with all of your options, with honest advice about the likelihood of success and other implications. My goal is for you to feel confident in the decisions you make and how you move through the process. No question is too small and I am happy to take as much time as you need to explain the process and your options.

Representation: I will represent you through all aspects of your case, from negotiating temporary agreements while your case proceeds, guiding you through the mediation process, obtaining and organizing your financial information, negotiating a final agreement, and if necessary, representing you in court.

In many cases, this can be accomplished by working together with the other attorney to exchange information, understand you and your spouse’s goals and challenges, and collaborate to create an agreement that works for everyone.

Litigation:  Should your case involve an issue of safety, or you have a difficult or uncooperative spouse, your case may require a more proactive approach. I will use my experience to collect and analyze the evidence, apply the law, and present the best possible argument to the court.

You can contact Emily directly at emily@seattledivorceservices.com.

Emily Raszler graduated from the University of Portland Honors Program and went on to earn her law degree from the University of Washington School of Law. She began her family law career primarily serving clients in Pierce County and has experience with divorce, child custody, guardianships, and estate planning. She has served as a board member for the Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association Family Law Section and the Pierce County Washington Women Lawyers.