Both parents need good legal help

In 2004, a couple that had been married 10 years, and raised three children aged 9, 7 and 4, separated.

What happened in the Snohomish County court system during their divorce process (culminating in a five-day trial) was messy and unfortunate.

Both parents had significant debts after the legal process ended and were on the verge of bankruptcy, according to Kathleen O’Sullivan, the Perkins Coie attorney who presented the appellant’s case for free in May.

I hope that the system will get better at providing both parents good legal representation. I also hope that both parties involved in a divorce/child custody case contribute to the well-being of everyone involved with fairness and honesty. Moreover, since it is private, it would be helpful if both parties prepared for and negotiated an equitable settlement, getting efficient advice from lawyers after they’ve gone through that important process, either on their own or with unbiased professionals.

In this Washington Supreme Court case, a lot of thought went into the legalities of due process, constitutionality, etc. I think it’s much more important for people to think about how all the members of a divorcing family will move forward after the final agreement has been entered.

Rita Koenigs

Lynnwood