Family Law Attorney in Franklin County

Born and Raised in the Tri-Cities. Over a Decade of Washington Family Law.

At Tri-Cities Family Law, we know how much is at stake when family law matters come to a head. Led by attorney Kari Hayles-Davenport, our team serves Franklin County, Washington families with tailored legal guidance that keeps your well-being and your rights at the center of every decision. We use the MyCase system to provide secure, organized communication and document management throughout your case, so nothing falls through the cracks. Our goal isn’t just to resolve the legal issue in front of you. It’s to give you confidence at every step of a process that can otherwise feel overwhelming.

Contact our family law attorney in Franklin County at (509) 320-4899 to schedule a confidential consultation.

Common Legal Matters Handled by Our Franklin County Family Lawyers

• Divorce & Separation: We handle both contested and uncontested divorces with a focus on fair settlements and the welfare of any children involved. We pursue amicable resolutions wherever possible and advocate firmly in court when necessary. Divorces in Franklin County are filed with the Benton-Franklin Superior Court in Pasco, and we help you understand timelines, document requirements, and what to expect at mediation or court appearances so you’re not left guessing about the next step.
• Child Custody & Support: We build strategies designed to protect your parental rights and your children’s best interests. Washington law requires custody decisions to center on the child’s welfare, with parenting plans as the standard framework for documenting arrangements. We handle the full spectrum of related issues, including modifications, enforcement, and support calculations.
• Alimony: Spousal maintenance disputes require careful attention to the specifics of each marriage. Under RCW 26.09.090, Washington courts weigh each spouse’s financial resources, the length of the marriage, the standard of living established during the marriage, the time needed for education or retraining, and each spouse’s age and physical condition. We advise on temporary, rehabilitative, and longer-term maintenance arrangements tailored to your goals and circumstances.

Property Division and Asset Protection in Franklin County Divorces

Dividing marital property raises serious questions about fairness, financial security, and Washington law. Washington is a community property state under RCW 26.16.030, which means assets and debts acquired during the marriage are generally considered jointly owned. Under RCW 26.09.080, courts divide all property (community and separate) in a just and equitable manner, and that doesn’t always mean a 50/50 split. Factors the court weighs include the nature and extent of each category of property, the duration of the marriage, and each spouse’s economic circumstances.

We carefully assess each client’s situation to build proactive strategies focused on protecting what matters most. Our team assists with property inventories, valuation disputes, and negotiations, addressing every aspect of your financial picture. When disputes involve real estate, retirement accounts, or business interests, we navigate Benton-Franklin Superior Court procedures and present organized, well-documented arguments to the court.

Separate property (assets acquired before marriage, inheritances, and gifts kept distinct from marital assets) is generally not subject to division, though courts retain discretion. Many Franklin County families want to protect assets with personal or generational significance, and we walk you through the realistic range of outcomes for each scenario, including how a prenuptial agreement may affect property division. Through the MyCase client portal, you can securely share financial documentation directly with our team, keeping collaboration efficient from your first consultation through your final hearing.

Protection Orders and Domestic Violence Representation in Franklin County

Washington law provides specific legal tools for families facing threats or abuse, and we treat these matters with the urgency they require. Protection orders in Washington can bar an aggressor from contact, from a shared residence, and from electronic communications. For most protection order petitions (including those involving domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault) there is no filing fee in Washington state, though fees may apply in some anti-harassment situations. Petitions involving domestic violence in Franklin County are filed with the Benton-Franklin Superior Court in Pasco, and the process is designed to move quickly to protect those seeking relief.

We guide clients through every phase of seeking and maintaining protection orders, helping your voice be heard in emergency hearings and helping ensure all required documentation is properly prepared and submitted. We also coordinate with local agencies and resources such as victim advocates and counseling services, supporting a broader approach to your family’s immediate and long-term safety. You deserve to feel informed and empowered at every stage, and we work to support that.

Grandparents’ Rights & Third-Party Custody in Franklin County

When grandparents or other relatives seek visitation or custody rights in Franklin County, the path forward depends on Washington law, not the law of any other state. Grandparents’ and relatives’ visitation rights in Washington are governed by RCW 26.11, the Nonparental Child Visitation statute effective since June 2018. To petition under RCW 26.11, a relative must show an ongoing and substantial relationship with the child for at least two years, qualify as a relative under RCW 26.11.010, and demonstrate that the child would likely suffer harm if visitation is denied. Washington law permits only one such petition, and it must be filed in the county where the child primarily resides. For Franklin County cases, that means the Benton-Franklin Superior Court in Pasco.

When a grandparent or relative seeks something closer to full custody, that path now runs through minor guardianship under RCW 11.130, which replaced the former third-party custody statute in 2021. We’re familiar with Franklin County court procedures for both nonparental visitation and minor guardianship matters. We help clients prepare affidavits, gather supporting documentation, and present child-focused information to the court. Because local courts weigh stability, continuity of care, and the child’s ongoing well-being, we take time to understand the full picture before building your case. The MyCase system keeps communication organized so all parties stay informed throughout the process.

How Our Family Law Process Works in Franklin County

Starting a family law matter can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never been to the Franklin County Courthouse in Pasco. We walk you through a clear process from the first phone call to the final order so you know what’s happening and why. Family law matters in Franklin County are handled by the Benton-Franklin Superior Court, and our familiarity with local procedures, scheduling, and filing requirements helps us keep your case on track.

From Initial Consultation to Final Order

Most cases begin with an initial consultation where we listen to your story, review any existing court papers, and identify your priorities. From there, we outline your options at the Benton-Franklin Superior Court, identify which documents need to be filed, and set clear expectations about timelines for temporary hearings, mediation, and final hearings. Through MyCase, you can upload pay stubs, parenting schedules, and other key documents directly to your file, which helps us prepare accurate pleadings and respond promptly to the court or opposing counsel.

Staying Informed as Your Case Moves Forward

As your matter progresses, we keep you updated on new developments, whether that’s a court date, a settlement offer, or a shift in local scheduling practices. We prepare you in advance for each appearance at the Benton-Franklin Superior Court so there are no last-minute surprises. By breaking the process into manageable steps and coordinating through MyCase, we help you stay organized and make thoughtful decisions for your family.

Working with Our Team Day to Day

Choosing a legal team isn’t only about credentials. It’s about how that team can work with you day to day. When you work with us as your family law attorney in Franklin County, you can expect a collaborative relationship where your goals shape the strategy and our knowledge of local practice guides each step. We want you to feel you have a place to turn, whether your question involves a court filing, a proposed parenting schedule, or a change in circumstances.

From the start, we assign clear points of contact within our office so you know who to call for scheduling questions and who to message in MyCase about urgent matters. We explain how the Benton-Franklin Superior Court handles temporary orders, discovery, and mandatory mediation, translating legal procedures into practical guidance you can use. When decisions need to be made, we present your options with honest assessments of the tradeoffs rather than pushing a single path.

Throughout your case, we use secure online communication and organized digital files to keep everything in one place, especially useful for clients juggling work, childcare, and court obligations. After each court appearance or significant development, we debrief with you and adjust the strategy as new information emerges. Our goal is for working with us to feel like a steady partnership, not one more source of stress.