Divorce Committed to Securing the Best Possible Outcome for Your Case

Divorce Attorney in Benton County

Dedicated Family Law Representation for Benton County Residents

Ending a marriage touches every part of life at once: finances, housing, children, and daily routine. At Tri-Cities Family Law, we handle divorce and nothing else, which means our entire focus is on guiding Benton County clients through the dissolution process with clarity and steady support. Our firm is led by founding attorney Kari Hayles-Davenport, who brings over a decade of family law experience, and our legal team also includes attorney Rebecca Saitz. Every case receives a full-team effort from start to finish.

Washington law calls divorce a dissolution of marriage, and the process involves much more than signing paperwork. From property division and spousal maintenance to child custody and parenting plans, each piece of a case requires careful attention. We handle all of it, and we can also help clients explore alternatives such as legal separation or mediation when those paths better fit the situation.

If you’re facing divorce in Benton County, schedule a confidential consultation with our team today. Call (509) 320-4899 or book online to speak directly with an attorney about your situation.

Why Benton County Clients Work With Us

Our practice is built exclusively around family law. There’s no overlap with criminal defense, personal injury, or business litigation. When you hire us, divorce representation is where our attention goes. That focus shapes how we prepare cases, anticipate issues, and communicate with clients throughout proceedings at Benton County Superior Court.

We give every client access to MyCase, our secure online client portal, for the duration of their case. Through MyCase, clients can review case documents, track deadlines, and communicate with our team without waiting for a callback or sifting through email threads. For clients managing work and family obligations alongside a divorce, that organized access makes a real difference.

Kari Hayles-Davenport is a member of the Washington State Bar Association, the Family Law Section of the Washington State Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and the Benton-Franklin Bar Association. Clients describe our team as responsive, prompt in filing motions, and genuinely compassionate during a difficult process.

Divorce-Related Matters We Handle in Benton County

Divorce rarely arrives alone. Most cases involve at least one connected issue that needs resolution alongside the dissolution itself. Our team handles the full range:

  • Child custody and parenting plans: We help parents work toward arrangements that serve the children’s best interests, whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
  • Child support: We calculate support obligations under Washington guidelines and pursue orders that reflect each family’s financial reality.
  • Spousal maintenance: We address alimony questions for both spouses, including the factors courts weigh when deciding whether maintenance is appropriate.
  • Protection orders: When safety is a concern, we assist clients with restraining orders, no-contact orders, and anti-harassment orders available under Washington State law.
  • Mediation: For clients who want to resolve disputes outside the courtroom, we can guide them through the mediation process as an alternative to contested litigation.
  • Post-divorce modifications: Life changes after a final order. We handle modifications to custody, support, and other arrangements when circumstances shift.

Contact Us for Your Consultation

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What Sets Us Apart From The Rest?

We Care About Your Success
  • Over 10 Years of Trial Experience
  • Full Team Effort On Every Case
  • Solution-Focused Representation
  • Fast, Secure, & Streamlined Process Using MyCase System

How Divorce Works in Washington State for Benton County Residents

Washington is a no-fault divorce state. Neither spouse needs to prove the other did anything wrong. The only legal ground for dissolution is that the marriage is irretrievably broken, which means either spouse can file without the other’s agreement. Washington also has no minimum residency requirement before filing, though at least one spouse must be a current Washington resident at the time the petition is filed.

The 90-Day Waiting Period & Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce

Once the petition for dissolution of marriage is filed and served, a mandatory 90-day waiting period begins. No final orders can be entered until that window closes. An uncontested divorce, where both spouses agree on all terms including property, support, and parenting matters, can be finalized shortly after the 90 days. Contested divorces, where disputes remain unresolved, typically take longer depending on the complexity of the issues and the court’s calendar.

Filing at Benton County Superior Court

Benton County divorce cases are filed and heard at Benton County Superior Court, part of the Benton and Franklin Counties Superior Court system. The court offers virtual hearings through WebEx, allowing parties to attend certain proceedings remotely. Key documents in a Washington dissolution typically include the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, Summons, Confidential Information Form, Vital Statistics Form, and financial disclosures. Cases involving children require additional forms.

Community Property Division in a Washington Divorce

Washington is a community property state. Assets and debts acquired during the marriage are generally considered jointly owned by both spouses, regardless of whose name is on the account or title. That includes real estate, retirement accounts, investment accounts, vehicles, business interests, and debts incurred during the marriage.

Community property doesn’t mean an automatic equal split. Washington courts divide marital assets justly and equitably based on each case’s circumstances. Separate property, meaning assets one spouse owned before the marriage or received as a gift or inheritance, is generally not subject to division, though that line can blur when separate and marital assets have been mixed over time.

Spousal maintenance may also be part of the divorce resolution. Courts consider the length of the marriage, each spouse’s financial resources, and earning capacity when deciding whether maintenance is appropriate and for how long.

Talk to a Divorce Attorney Serving Benton County

Divorce is one of the most consequential legal processes you’ll face, and getting organized guidance early can shape how the entire case unfolds. We offer confidential consultations directly with an attorney, so you can understand your options before making any decisions. Schedule by phone at (509) 320-4899 or book online at your convenience.

Our team provides personalized attention and clear communication at every stage of the divorce process. Contact Tri-Cities Family Law today and take the first step toward moving forward.
We're Here to Guide You

Our team is prepared to go the extra mile for you. Contact the family law attorneys at Tri-Cities Family Law now to learn more during a confidential consultation.

(509) 320-4899

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