Meet Amanda J. Cook, Family Law Attorney

Lakewood Collaborative Law

Get Help From a Top Lakewood Collaborative Law Attorney

At the Law Office of Amanda J. Cook PLLC, our Lakewood collaborative law attorney has the knowledge and experience that clients can trust. Family law is complicated. Most people want to find an amicable resolution. The collaborative law process may be the best available option. If you have any questions about collaborative law in Washington, we are here to help. Contact our Lakewood family law attorney today for a fully confidential consultation. 

What to Know About Collaborative Law in Washington 

Are you preparing for a divorce, custody case, or other family law matter in Lakewood? You may be a great candidate for the collaborative law process. It helps many people find amicable solutions to potentially challenging family law problems. Here are some of the key points to know about collaborative law in Washington State: 

1. 1. Collaborative Law is a Structured, Statutory Process: Washington has codified the Uniform Collaborative Law Act (UCLA) in RCW 7.77. The law governs how collaborative divorce and other family law matters proceed. Under the law, both parties must sign a participation agreement, they commit to out-of-court resolution, and they must agree that the attorneys involved cannot represent them in litigation if negotiations fail.
   2. Collaborative Law is About Mutual Problem Solving: Collaborative law does not rely solely on attorneys. Depending on the issues, the team may include financial specialists, parenting evaluators, mental-health professionals, or appraisers. Each professional commits to the same collaborative principles and confidentiality rules under Washington State law.
   3. Transparency Is Mandatory, Not Optional: The parties must voluntarily exchange all relevant financial documents, disclosures, and information. Washington’s collaborative law framework requires good-faith participation, and hiding assets or withholding records can terminate the process. Collaborative law in Lakewood requires good faith.
   4. Parties Control the Outcome Instead of a Judge: In Washington, collaborative law gives families the ability to shape parenting plans, support arrangements, and property division according to their unique circumstances. Courts in Washington must apply statutory standards such as RCW 26.09. 

Why Trust Lakewood Collaborative Lawyer Amanda J. Cook

Collaborative law is complicated. If you have a lot of questions about your rights and your options, you are not alone. Our founder and lead attorney Amanda J. Cook is a collaborative family lawyer with extensive experience helping people understand their rights, their options, and solve problems. We are proactive. Among other things, our Lakewood collaborative law attorney will: 

• Hear your story and answer questions about your case; 
• Help you gather and prepare supporting documentation; and
• Develop a comprehensive collaborative law strategy. 

Speak to Our Lakewood, WA Collaborative Law Attorney Today

At the Law Office of Amanda J. Cook PLLC, our Lakewood collaborative lawyer is committed to providing solutions-forward legal guidance. If you have any questions or concerns about the collaborative law process, please call us at 253-265-7515 or contact us online for a fully confidential consultation. We provide collaborative law services in Lakewood and throughout Pierce County. 

contact us