King County Divorce Attorney

How does a divorce work in King County?

King County's family law rules (King County LFLR) set up a more structured process than its neighbors:

• A case schedule issues when you file. The clerk issues a list of mandatory deadlines, running through trial. Missing them can lead to fines, penalties, or dismissal (LFLR 4(a)).
• An automatic temporary order sets financial restraints the day a divorce is filed, and the petitioner serves it with the petition (LFLR 4(h)).
• Where your case is heard depends on where you live. North of Interstate 90, including Bothell, Kirkland, Shoreline, and Woodinville, is the Seattle case assignment area. Commissioner hearings are held there unless the court orders otherwise (LCR 82).
• Motions run on firm deadlines. A motion is filed at least 14 calendar days before the hearing, with the response due by noon five court days before (LFLR 6(d)).
• Settlement conference or mediation is required no later than 30 days before trial, except in cases involving domestic violence or where the court waives it (LFLR 16).
• Self-represented parties must attend an orientation program within 30 days of filing or service (LFLR 20).

Lawyers in King County must e-file everything through the clerk's system.

What family law cases do we handle in King County?

Divorce and legal separation. Agreed and contested divorces, including cases with stock compensation, retirement accounts, a house with significant equity, or a business.

Parenting plans and custody. Temporary and final parenting plans, relocation, and modifications.

Child support and spousal maintenance. Including cases where income is a mix of salary, bonus, and RSUs.

Domestic violence protection orders. Asking for a protection order, or responding to one.

Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. Drafting and reviewing agreements, and what makes one hold up in a Washington divorce.

What does a divorce lawyer cost?

We bill hourly against a retainer. For a divorce, the retainer is generally $10,000 to $15,000. What the whole case costs depends mostly on how many issues are disputed and whether it goes to trial. King County's case schedule front-loads some of the work, so we plan the budget around its deadlines. We give you an estimate at the start and tell you when something changes it.

Why work with us?

Trial experience. MacKenzie Dunham has years of trial experience, including a month-long contested divorce over a multi-million-dollar company. Cases that are ready for trial settle on better terms, so we prepare every contested case as if it will be tried.

Complex income and assets. Stock grants, bonuses, deferred compensation, and closely held businesses come up constantly in King County divorces. We know how Washington courts treat them and when you'll need to hire an expert to gather the valuations you need in court.

Straight answers. If the law isn't on your side on an issue, we'll tell you, and we'll tell you what we'd do about it.

What clients say

“I worked with MacKenzie Dunham out of Daniel's office. I found the group to be exceptionally well versed in Washington state law. Even without the good outcome, I would have still recommended them as incredible experts in law. They guided me against my former spouse and her motions, always staying focused on the goal. I could not give a better rating.”

Mike C., Avvo and Google, April 2026

“Daniel is an exceptional attorney, compassionate, attentive, and truly committed to his clients. He listens carefully, responds promptly, and provides thoughtful, strategic guidance through even the most painful parts of divorce. Unlike many attorneys, I never felt financially drained or nickel-and-dimed; his pricing was fair and never exploitative of the difficult situation I was in.”

Carl, Avvo, August 2025

“I don’t often write reviews, especially for attorneys—but Daniel stands out. Throughout the process, he showed a level of dedication that’s hard to come by. He was sharp, punctual, and remarkably easy to get a hold of—always responding quickly and keeping me informed. What impressed me most was how consistently he made time, no matter how packed his schedule seemed. It genuinely felt like my case mattered to him. If you’re looking for someone who will put in the work and treat your situation with focus and urgency, this is your guy.”

Google reviewer, Google, August 2025

Common questions

I live in Bothell. Is my case in Seattle or Kent?

Bothell is north of Interstate 90, so it's in the Seattle case assignment area. For family law cases, the area is based on where either spouse lives. If neither lives in King County, the case goes to Seattle.

Do I have to go to court in person?

Usually not. King County holds most family law hearings over Zoom, though the court can require someone to appear in person. Consultations with us can be at our Everett office or by Zoom.

Part of Bothell is in Snohomish County. Which court do I use?

It depends on which side of the county line you live on, and where your spouse lives. You may have a choice, and the choice decides which county's rules apply. We can tell you which is available in a short call.

How long does a divorce take in King County?

At least 90 days after filing and service, which is Washington's minimum. For contested cases, the case schedule sets the trial date when you file, and the deadlines run from there.