Most Seattle family law lawyers agree that successful mediation on all issues in a family law action is better for everyone for two simple reasons. First, trials are very expensive and parties will spend a good chunk of what they are fighting over if they go to trial. Second, parties tend to abide by terms that they agree to rather than by terms imposed by a judge. Choosing the right Seattle family law lawyer is an important step toward this outcome.

Trials are expensive because you have to pay your Seattle family law lawyer to prepare for and appear all day during trial. Trials mean presenting evidence, and presenting evidence means subpoenaing documents, deposing witnesses, and hiring experts. Even if your family law case does not go to trial, your Seattle family law lawyer will do a lot of evidence collecting, but he or she will do much more if you do go to trial.

The issues in a family law action involve the most personal and sacred issues in one’s life. Even if two parents cannot stay together, they are more likely to cooperate in the future regarding child support and parenting plans if they communicate and agree to what each knows is best. Judges have no way of knowing the level of detail and subtlety in your case as you and your soon to be former spouse do. Therefore, they are less likely to know what works practically, even if they know what the law is objectively.

Unfortunately, going to trial cannot be avoided in all cases. Sometimes the parties simply do not see eye to eye and a third party will have to make decisions for them. In any event, having a good Seattle family law lawyer on your side can make all the difference. At McKinley Irvin, our lawyers know the value of making agreements, while they also know what it takes to prevail at trial. Consult with a McKinley Irvin Seattle family law lawyer today about the issues in your case, and you’ll be glad you did.