Bottimore & Associates Professional Limited Liability Company

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The Law Firm Where the Family is our Focus
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Tacoma Family Lawyer Focusing On Your Needs

Guiding Washington Families Through Divorce, Custody and Marital Agreements

For almost 20 years, Leslie R. Bottimore has served the legal needs of families throughout the state of Washington. At Bottimore & Associates, P.L.L.C., in Tacoma, we focus on obtaining the best possible outcome for clients in divorce, child support and other family law matters. We utilize high-road methods of dispute resolution, including collaborative law and mediation whenever possible and appropriate. However, when litigation is necessary, we draw on unparalleled trial experience to assist with any family law matter you bring to us.

Advocating For Your Rights In Custody and Parenting Plans

In any Washington child custody, nonparental custody, parentage, legal separation or divorce case involving children, parents may be required to submit a parenting plan that details whom the child will live with, how much time the child will spend with each parent, and which parent will be responsible for making decisions about the child’s life. We may recommend collaborative divorce and mediation to help our clients devise a parenting plan that will address the unique needs of their family. In every case, we will act in the best interests of your child while protecting your parental bond.

We also help modify existing parenting plans. Agreed-upon changes can be made and implemented by the court, but if you and the other parent do not agree to the change, you will likely need to prove one of the following:

  • Your child has gone to live with a parent for an extended period of time with the other’s permission.
  • The parent fighting the change has been held in contempt of court at least twice in three years or has been convicted of custody or visitation interference.
  • The current custody arrangement is physically or emotionally harmful to your child.

We draw upon our extensive knowledge and experience representing Washington residents in family law cases to help you establish the need for changes to an existing parenting plan.

Advocates Assisting With Support Orders, Modification and Enforcement Actions

In Washington, it is both parents’ responsibility to financially support their children, whether they are married, separated or divorced. When parents end their relationship with each other, the court determines child support based on the combined incomes of both parents and the ages and number of children to be supported to derive a support amount from the Child Support Schedule. There are times when the determination is not as straightforward, such as when one parent is voluntarily unemployed or the child has special needs. We will use our knowledge of Washington’s child support laws to advocate for your children’s financial welfare.

Spousal support, or alimony, is not as easily determined. This relief is not granted in every divorce or legal separation. Washington courts consider several factors to determine whether to award spousal support and in what amount. We will effectively present your position in court whether you seek support or must pay it. If changes need to be made to support orders because the financial situation for either parent has changed, we can request a modification of the existing order. We can also pursue enforcement, including contempt, if payments are not made.

Assisting With Prenups, Paternity and Other Matters

Our firm represents Washington residents in a full range of family law issues. We draft sound prenuptial and postnuptial agreements to protect our clients’ assets in the event of divorce, handle cases involving Committed Intimate Relationships (CIR) and paternity to legally establish fatherhood, provide post-secondary educational support when issues of paying for college arise, and advise clients not wishing to divorce on legal separation and annulment. If you need help in any of these areas, we offer sound counsel backed by years of experience and an abiding commitment to protect your family now and in the future.

Contact Our Tacoma Family Law Firm For An Initial Consultation

At Bottimore & Associates, P.L.L.C., we provide Washington residents with skilled family law representation in matters ranging from divorce to child support. To learn how we can help, call our Tacoma office at 253-780-7622 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.