An Interview with Washington Family Lawyer Mary H. Wechsler
Mary H. Wechsler has 28 years of experience working with families and individuals in all areas of family law and mediation. She was named Washington Law and Politics Super Lawyer in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2006 and Seattle Magazine Top Lawyers in 2003, 2004 and 2005. Ms. Wechsler also received the Washington State Bar Association Family Law Section Award for Outstanding Attorney in 1988 and King County Bar Association Outstanding Attorney Award in 1999. Her firm, Wechsler Becker LLP is located in Seattle, Washington. Ms. Wechsler can be reached at 206/ 624-4900 or mhwechsler@wechslerbecker.com.
1. What are the grounds for divorce in your state? A statement that the marriage is irretrievably broken.
2. Does fault (such as infidelity or domestic violence) affect the outcome of a divorce in your state? If so, how? Only if it is shown to affect the children or that community assets have been wasted. Domestic violence may limit access to the children.
3. If a woman is preparing for divorce what, if anything, can she do to improve the outcome of her case? Communicate fully with her attorney, provide information to her attorney in a timely fashion, get counseling to maintain equilibrium and be able to make good choices.
4. What are some of the biggest obstacles women face in divorce? Lack of self-confidence in deciding financial issues, lack of experience with financial issues and sometimes, lack of employment experience.
5. When should a woman take her case to trial? When shouldn’t she? Trial is normally not the best way to resolve divorce issues, but it is sometimes necessary in order to get a fair result. It is best to follow the recommendations of a lawyer she trusts.
6. How can a woman make divorce easier on her children? Do not unnecessarily involve the children in divorce, discuss legal issues with them or say anything negative to them about their father.
7. What qualities should a woman look for in a divorce lawyer? She should be able to comfortably communicate with the lawyer, who has competence and experience, and treats his or her clients with respect.
8. What should a woman do if she disagrees with her divorce lawyer’s recommendations? Get a second opinion to assess the reasonableness of the lawyers’ recommendations. Carefully examine the basis of her own opinion.
9. If you could impart any of your wisdom to a woman who is going through divorce, what would it be? Focus on her own needs and what is best for her children. Don’t focus on “winning and losing” or revenge.
This article is not legal advice. You should consult an attorney if you have questions that relate to your divorce and finances.
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Posted by ModDiva on October 11th, 2007 filed in Family Lawyer Interview Series, Divorce |
January 14th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
Hello, i am currently been severed with pending divorce papers, my huband of 28 years, served me with paper s with have been living apart for about 5 months, he is currtenly, working with ford motor company, and has been there over 28 years, I do not wants this divorce, but i understand because he filed the divorce is not going to stop. My comment is that i know about support payment s pension and ext. What needs to be a concern , is the heath issues, i belive that if the spouse files, then i think a law should be put into, that, the other spouse should remain, on the health insurance as lo ng as she not remarried. because myself i do have health issurs, and i think it s u nfair. when the divorce is final from what i understand. the heatlh iinsurance is no more. I think this issure should be more look into. thank you.