Pierce County Divorce Attorneys
Divorce is overwhelming. You're facing legal complexity, financial uncertainty, and emotional turmoil—all while trying to protect your children, your assets, and your future.
Melvin & Torrone, PLLP has guided hundreds of clients through divorce in Pierce County. Our Tacoma divorce attorneys understand Washington State dissolution law, Pierce County Superior Court procedures, and the judges and commissioners who will decide your case. Whether your divorce is amicable or high-conflict, straightforward or complex, we provide strategic legal counsel and aggressive advocacy when necessary.
You don't have to navigate this alone.
Free Case ReviewDivorce is one of the most stressful experiences you'll face. You need attorneys who combine legal skill with genuine empathy—who will fight for your interests while guiding you through the process.
We've tried hundreds of family law cases in Pierce County and know what it takes to protect your future.
Get Your Free ConsultationWe've handled hundreds of Pierce County divorces—uncontested, contested, high-conflict, and complex property.
We don't just settle—we win at trial when necessary.
Daily practice in Pierce County Superior Court; we know judges, commissioners, and procedures.
We guide you through emotional turmoil while fighting for your interests.
Critical when cases overlap—DV charges during divorce, CPS and criminal investigations running simultaneously.
We know when to fight and when to settle.
Clear fee agreements, itemized invoices, and payment plans available.
Divorce decrees, parenting plans, support orders, protection orders.
And children's birth certificates.
Including pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, credit card statements, and retirement accounts.
Texts, emails showing co-parenting issues, abuse, or violations.
Especially if DV or criminal charges are involved.
Investigation letters, service plans, court orders, founded findings.
Documented dates of separation, incidents, and violations.
Even if you don't have all documents, come to the consultation—time is often critical.
Washington is a community property state. All property and debts acquired during the marriage are presumed community property, owned equally by both spouses. However, the court divides property "fairly and equitably"—which does not always mean 50/50. Separate property (owned before marriage or received as a gift or inheritance) is generally awarded to the owning spouse, but courts have discretion to divide separate property as well.
Complex property division may involve Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for retirement accounts, business valuations, forensic accounting, and expert testimony. Real estate, stock options, deferred compensation, and cryptocurrency all require careful characterization and valuation.
Spousal maintenance (alimony) may be awarded based on the length of the marriage, each spouse's income and earning capacity, the standard of living during the marriage, and other factors under RCW 26.09.090. Child custody is determined by "parenting plans" under the best interests of the child standard. Pierce County Superior Court often requires mediation before contested custody matters can be set for trial.
Protect your financial interests from the moment you decide to file:
Open individual bank accounts in your name only Obtain credit in your own name (credit card, small loan) Close or freeze joint credit cards to prevent new charges Document all assets: bank accounts, retirement accounts, investments, real estate, vehicles, valuables Document all debts: mortgages, car loans, credit cards, student loans, personal loans Gather tax returns for the last 3-5 years Secure important documents (birth certificates, passports, insurance policies, estate planning documents) Do NOT hide assets, destroy documents, or make large purchases or transfers—this will damage your credibility with the court Washington courts consider the factors in RCW 26.09.090 when determining spousal maintenance, including:
Temporary Maintenance: Awarded during the divorce process to maintain the status quo. Ends when the final decree is entered.
Short-Term (Rehabilitative) Maintenance: Awarded for a set period to allow the receiving spouse to become self-supporting through education, training, or work experience.
Long-Term Maintenance: Awarded in longer marriages (typically 20+ years) or when the receiving spouse cannot become fully self-supporting due to age, health, or other factors.
Lump-Sum Maintenance: A one-time payment instead of ongoing monthly payments. May be used when the paying spouse has significant assets but limited income.
Washington does not have a statutory formula for calculating maintenance. However, a common rule of thumb used by attorneys and judges is:
Amount: 25-35% of the income disparity between spouses
Duration: 30-50% of the length of the marriage
Example: In a 20-year marriage where Spouse A earns $120,000/year and Spouse B earns $40,000/year, the income disparity is $80,000. Maintenance might be $20,000-$28,000/year (25-35% of $80,000) for 6-10 years (30-50% of 20 years).
This is a guideline, not a guarantee. Judges have broad discretion, and the actual amount will depend on the specific facts of your case.
Maintenance can be modified if there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as job loss, significant income change, retirement, remarriage of the receiving spouse, or cohabitation. The party requesting modification bears the burden of proof.
Post-2018 divorces: Maintenance is NOT deductible by the payer and NOT taxable to the recipient (Tax Cuts and Jobs Act).
Pre-2019 divorces: Maintenance is deductible by the payer and taxable to the recipient, unless the decree has been modified to adopt the new rules.
Washington does not use the term "custody." Instead, the court enters a "parenting plan" that addresses:
The court considers:
Washington uses a standardized formula under RCW 26.19 to calculate child support based on:
Courts may deviate from the standard calculation based on:
Child support can be modified if there has been a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant change in either parent's income, changes in the residential schedule, or changes in the child's needs. Generally, a change of 25% or more in the support amount qualifies for modification.
The Washington State child support calculator is available online at www.courts.wa.gov to estimate your potential support obligation or entitlement.
Domestic violence affects virtually every aspect of a divorce case:
A DVPO can order the respondent to:
When domestic violence charges coincide with divorce proceedings, having attorneys who handle both family law and criminal defense is critical. Statements made in one proceeding can affect the other. We coordinate strategy across both cases to protect your interests.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233.
A neutral third-party mediator helps both spouses reach agreement on contested issues. The mediator does not make decisions—they facilitate negotiation.
Benefits:
Drawbacks: Not appropriate when there is a significant power imbalance, domestic violence, hidden assets, or when one party refuses to negotiate in good faith. Each party should still have their own attorney to review any mediated agreement.
Each spouse hires a collaboratively trained attorney, and both parties sign an agreement to resolve all issues without going to court. If the collaborative process fails, both attorneys must withdraw and the parties must hire new counsel for litigation. This creates a strong incentive to reach agreement. The process may also involve financial specialists, child specialists, and divorce coaches.
A private arbitrator (often a retired judge or experienced family law attorney) hears both sides and makes binding decisions on contested issues. Arbitration is faster than trial, more private, and allows the parties to choose their decision-maker. However, the right to appeal is limited.
Both spouses agree on all terms: property division, custody, support, and debts.
Timeline: 90-120 days
Cost: $2,500-$5,000 (attorney fees) + court filing fee (~$314)
Even in an uncontested divorce, an attorney ensures your rights are protected, the agreement is fair and enforceable, and all required documents are properly prepared and filed. We handle the paperwork, court filings, and finalization so you can focus on moving forward.
Spouses disagree on one or more major issues and cannot reach agreement without court intervention.
Timeline: 6 months to 2+ years
Cost: $10,000-$50,000+ depending on complexity and whether the case goes to trial
Characterized by extreme disagreement, accusations, and inability to co-parent or communicate.
Same-sex divorce follows the same legal process, but presents unique issues that require experienced counsel.
When children are born or adopted during a same-sex marriage, parentage may need to be established or confirmed. Washington's Uniform Parentage Act (RCW 26.26A) provides mechanisms for establishing parentage, but the analysis can be complex—particularly for children born before marriage equality or through assisted reproduction.
For couples who were in committed intimate relationships (CIRs) before marriage became legally available, property acquired during the CIR may be treated as community property. Establishing the date of the CIR and characterizing property acquired during that period requires careful legal analysis.
Washington courts recognize CIRs (formerly "meretricious relationships") and may divide property acquired during the relationship equitably. This is particularly important for same-sex couples who were together before Washington recognized same-sex marriage in 2012. Factors include the duration of the relationship, the purpose of the relationship, continuous cohabitation, and pooling of resources.
Divorces involving substantial assets, businesses, or complicated financial structures require specialized expertise.
Determining whether an asset is community property or separate property is often the most contested issue. Assets that were separate property before marriage can become "commingled" with community property, making characterization difficult. We work with forensic accountants to trace the character of disputed assets.
We work with a network of experts including:
A legal alternative to divorce that resolves all financial and custody issues while maintaining the legal marriage.
Legal separation addresses all the same issues as divorce—property division, spousal maintenance, custody, and child support—but the marriage is not dissolved. The court enters a "decree of legal separation" instead of a "decree of dissolution." Either party can later petition to convert the legal separation into a divorce.
The legal process, filings, and court procedures are substantially similar to divorce. The same 90-day waiting period applies.
Washington is a community property state. Property acquired during the marriage is presumed to be community property. Property owned before marriage, or received as a gift or inheritance during marriage, is generally separate property. However, separate property can become commingled with community property if not carefully maintained.
The family home is often the most significant asset and the most emotionally charged issue. Options include: selling the home and dividing proceeds, one spouse buying out the other's interest, or one spouse retaining the home (often the primary residential parent) with an offset from other assets. The court considers the children's stability and each spouse's ability to maintain the home.
Dividing retirement accounts (401(k), pension plans, 403(b)) requires a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO)—a court order that directs the plan administrator to divide the account. IRAs are divided by "transfer incident to divorce" and do not require a QDRO. The portion of retirement benefits earned during the marriage is community property; benefits earned before or after the marriage are separate property.
Community debts incurred during the marriage are divided equitably, just like assets. This includes mortgages, car loans, credit card debt, student loans (if used for community benefit), and tax obligations. A spouse may be responsible for debts they did not personally incur if the debt was for community benefit.
If you are in an abusive relationship and considering divorce, your safety is the first priority. Before taking any legal action:
Our attorneys handle DVPOs and divorce simultaneously. We understand the intersection of family law and criminal law when domestic violence is involved, and we coordinate both sides of your case.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Discuss your situation, goals, and legal options. Understand the process, timeline, and estimated costs. Timeline: Same week as contact.
The petitioner (spouse who files) submits the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage to Pierce County Superior Court. Filing fee is approximately $314. Timeline: Within 1-2 weeks of retaining counsel.
The petition must be personally served on the other spouse (the respondent) by someone over 18 who is not a party. Service can also be completed by acceptance/joinder if both parties agree. Timeline: Within days of filing.
The respondent has 20 days to file a response (60 days if served out of state). If no response is filed, the petitioner may seek a default judgment. Timeline: 20-60 days after service.
Either party can request temporary orders for custody, child support, spousal maintenance, use of property, and restraining orders. These orders remain in effect during the divorce. Timeline: 2-4 weeks after filing.
Both parties must complete and exchange financial declarations disclosing all income, assets, debts, and monthly expenses. Timeline: Within 30 days of filing.
Formal exchange of information: interrogatories, requests for production, depositions, and subpoenas. May include hiring forensic accountants or other experts. Timeline: 2-6 months.
Pierce County requires mediation for contested custody disputes before trial. Many couples also mediate property and support issues. Timeline: 1-3 months (scheduling dependent).
In contested custody cases, the court may appoint a GAL to investigate and recommend a parenting plan. The GAL interviews parents, children, teachers, and other relevant parties. Timeline: 2-4 months for investigation and report.
A conference with a judge or commissioner to attempt to resolve remaining issues. The court may provide feedback on how it would likely rule at trial. Timeline: 1-2 months before trial date.
Prepare witness lists, exhibit binders, trial briefs, and proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law. Timeline: 4-6 weeks before trial.
A bench trial (no jury) before a Pierce County Superior Court judge. Both sides present evidence and testimony. The judge issues a ruling on all contested issues. Timeline: 1-5 days depending on complexity.
The judge signs the final decree, which includes orders on property division, maintenance, parenting plan, and child support. The decree cannot be entered until at least 90 days after filing and service. Timeline: 90 days minimum from filing.
Transfer property titles, divide retirement accounts (QDRO), refinance mortgages, update insurance and estate planning documents. Timeline: 30-90 days after decree.
Melvin & Torrone, PLLP
950 Pacific Ave, Suite 720
Tacoma, WA 98402
Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Weekends: By appointment
Paid parking is available in the Pacific Plaza parking garage adjacent to the building. Street parking is also available on Pacific Avenue and surrounding streets. We validate parking for client appointments.
Our office is located in the Pacific Plaza building in downtown Tacoma, between South 9th and South 11th Streets on Pacific Avenue. The building is a short walk from the Tacoma Link Light Rail and multiple bus routes.
Divorce cases are filed in Pierce County Superior Court. There are two courthouse locations:
Pierce County has local rules that supplement the Washington State court rules. Attorneys practicing in Pierce County must comply with:
"Chris and Danae handled my divorce and I couldn't be more happy with their efforts to get me everything I was wanting from the settlement."
"Although I didn't start my divorce process with Torrone Law, I am very glad that I finished with this awesome team. Due to a prior attorney's errors, Chris and his staff took over and made it right."
Your Legal Team
Chris Torrone
Founding Attorney · WSBA #35541
Family Law, CPS, Criminal Defense
Rob Melvin
Founding Partner · WSBA #45249
Family Law, Criminal Defense
Washington requires a minimum 90-day waiting period from the date the petition is filed and served. An uncontested divorce where both parties agree on all terms can be finalized shortly after that 90-day period—typically within 90 to 120 days total.
Contested divorces take significantly longer. If there are disputes over property, custody, or support, the case may take 6 months to over a year. Cases involving complex property (businesses, retirement accounts, multiple real estate holdings) or high-conflict custody disputes can take 12-24 months or longer.
Pierce County Superior Court's calendar and mandatory requirements (mediation, settlement conference, GAL investigation) also affect the timeline. Our attorneys work to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while protecting your interests.
Yes. Washington is a no-fault divorce state. The only ground for divorce is that the marriage is "irretrievably broken." You do not need to prove adultery, abuse, abandonment, or any other fault. If one spouse believes the marriage is irretrievably broken, that is sufficient.
You also need to meet the residency requirement: at least one spouse must be a Washington State resident (or a member of the military stationed in Washington) at the time of filing.
No. Because Washington is a no-fault state, only one spouse needs to want the divorce for it to proceed. You cannot prevent your spouse from filing for divorce, and you cannot force them to reconcile.
If you refuse to participate in the proceedings—for example, by not responding to the petition—the court can enter a default judgment and grant the divorce without your input. It is always better to participate, retain an attorney, and protect your rights rather than ignore the process.
Washington is a community property state. All property and debt acquired during the marriage is presumed to be community property owned equally by both spouses. Separate property (owned before marriage, or received as a gift or inheritance during marriage) is generally awarded to the owning spouse.
However, the court divides property "fairly and equitably"—which does not always mean 50/50. The court considers the length of the marriage, each spouse's financial situation and earning capacity, and the nature of the property. In some cases, the court may even award a portion of separate property to the other spouse.
Complex assets such as businesses, retirement accounts, stock options, and real estate require careful valuation and division. Our attorneys work with forensic accountants and valuation experts to ensure accurate asset characterization and fair division.
Washington calls it "spousal maintenance" rather than alimony. Whether you receive maintenance depends on several factors under RCW 26.09.090: the length of the marriage, the standard of living during the marriage, each spouse's income and earning capacity, age and health, and the time needed to acquire education or training for employment.
Maintenance is more likely in longer marriages where there is a significant income disparity between spouses. Short marriages with both spouses working typically do not result in maintenance awards. There is no statutory formula—judges have broad discretion.
A common guideline (not a rule) is 25-35% of the income disparity for 30-50% of the marriage length, but actual awards vary widely. Our attorneys can evaluate your specific situation and provide a realistic assessment of your maintenance prospects.
We strongly advise against it. While Washington is a no-fault state and dating during divorce is not technically illegal, it can create significant problems:
Wait until the divorce is finalized. The short-term cost of patience is far less than the long-term consequences of complicating your case.
There is no automatic rule about who gets the house. If the home is community property (purchased during the marriage), the court has several options:
The court considers which parent has primary residential custody of the children, each spouse's ability to afford the home (mortgage, taxes, maintenance), and the overall property division. The parent who lives with the children most of the time is often awarded the home to maintain stability, but only if they can afford it.
If one spouse owned the home before marriage, it may be characterized as separate property—but mortgage payments made during the marriage with community funds may give the other spouse a community interest in the equity.
They can try, but the discovery process is designed to uncover hidden assets. Both parties are required to file complete financial declarations under penalty of perjury. Beyond that, your attorney can:
If the court finds that a spouse has intentionally hidden assets, the consequences are severe: the court may award a larger share of property to the other spouse, impose sanctions, hold the hiding spouse in contempt, and even refer the matter for criminal prosecution (perjury). Courts take financial dishonesty very seriously.
Temporary orders are court orders with the full force of law. If your spouse violates them—by failing to pay support, refusing to follow the residential schedule, violating a restraining order, or dissipating assets—you can file a motion for contempt of court.
Consequences of contempt can include:
Document every violation carefully. Keep texts, emails, and records of missed payments or schedule changes. We use this evidence to build a strong contempt case and protect your interests.
Divorce costs in Pierce County vary significantly based on the complexity of the case:
Additional costs may include mediator fees ($150-$400/hour), GAL fees ($3,000-$10,000), forensic accountant fees ($5,000-$15,000), real estate appraisals ($300-$500), and business valuations ($5,000-$25,000).
The biggest factor in controlling costs is the level of conflict. Couples who can agree on most issues spend far less than those who litigate every point. Our attorneys always look for opportunities to resolve issues efficiently.
At Melvin & Torrone, we provide transparent fee agreements upfront. We also offer payment plans for qualifying clients. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your situation and get a realistic estimate of costs.
Divorce is time-sensitive. Temporary orders set early in the case often shape the final outcome. The sooner you have an experienced attorney on your side, the stronger your position. Every consultation starts with listening to your situation, explaining your options, and outlining a strategic plan.
Even if you don't have all documents, come to the consultation—time is often critical.
Client Reviews
Katie Green
“Chris and Danae handled my divorce and I couldn’t be more happy with their efforts to get me everything I was wanting from my divorce. Communication was great, pricing was fair and when it came time for mediation, Chris went above and beyond to make sure I came out with a win. Thankful for Torrone Law and their services!”
David Dierks
“Eric Maughn represented me in a nasty divorce case and got me the most positive outcome possible. He is compassionate toward his clients but has the tenacity to fight for you to the end of the process. Thanks to Eric and Tonya I came out the winner on my divorce!! Highly recommended!!”
Ryan Gabbard
“Although I didn't start my divorce process with Torrone Law, I am very glad that I finished with this awesome team. Due to circumstances beyond his control my original lawyer was unable to continue with my case and thankfully he recommended Torrone Law. I was convinced from the first conversation with Chris and Priscilla that this was the team for me. Even with the limitations of the COVID pandemic which prevented us from meeting in person I always felt that I was kept in the loop and knew just what was going on. Priscilla did an awesome job of representing me at our mediation and DaNae kept me updated on all of the paperwork that this divorce required. Having to include a QDRO with the Boeing company was very confusing to me, but this team took it in stride and was able to expedite the process. An example of the knowledge that this team has, is during a conversation with Boeing's QDRO center I was informed that rarely is there a QDRO submitted that doesn't require multiple changes but in this case it was a minor issue involving how the name of the Boeing company was listed, since this was a minor issue they continued processing the paperwork and completed it 60 days sooner than I was told it would be finished. Chris, you have an awesome team here, Priscilla, the attorney who worked with me and kept me focused, DaNae, who constantly waited on hold to get connected to Boeing and got all of the paperwork submitted, and last but far from least Michelle, who worked with me to make sure my bank transactions went through. I appreciated all of you giving me the peace of mind knowing that this is finally over. Thank you again for a job well done.”
The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by visiting this website. Each case is unique, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Contact Melvin & Torrone for a consultation regarding your specific situation.