Judge Pro Tem - banging gavel

What Is A Commissioner or Judge Pro Tem?

You may have heard the terms “Judge Pro Tem” or “Commissioner Pro Tem” in the context of family law cases. Like many legal terms, these words are perhaps made more obscure by the use of latin. However, you do not need to be alarmed - it is not nearly as complicated as it sounds. A Seattle family law...
Judge Signing Paper - When is My Divorce Final?

When Is My Divorce Final?

In Washington State, a divorce is final as soon as the court signs the Decree of Dissolution. The whole divorce process generally takes anywhere from 3 months to a year, and there is a minimum 90-day waiting period after the divorce has been filed and served. If the case needs to go to trial, the...
Scales of Justice and Handshake - Better Divorce Litigation

Better Divorce Litigation

At Seattle Divorce Services, it has always been a goal to find ways to do things better. That includes our bread and butter - divorce litigation. What does 'better divorce litigation' mean? How can we strive for improvement? Better litigation means tailoring the approach to fit the case, NOT s...