Cooperative Legal Solutions
With a focus on prenuptial and cohabitation agreements and cooperative divorce.
Cooperative Legal Solutions
With a focus on prenuptial and cohabitation agreements and cooperative divorce.
About
Darla Goodwin
Darla has over 29 years of experience handling family law matters including divorce, prenuptial agreements, and complex property issues. Her current practice focuses on relationship agreements (prenuptials, post-nuptials, and cohabitation agreements), cooperative and collaborative divorce, and legal consulting for self-represented parties.
After years of litigation experience, her emphasis is on the respectful and efficient resolution of your matter outside of court whenever possible. She guides each client in deciding the legal process that best meets their goals, whether amicable negotiation, mediation, collaborative law or, when necessary, traditional litigation.
Darla was named one of Seattle’s “Top Lawyers” by Seattle Magazine and a “Rising Star” by Washington Law and Politics magazine. She has presented at Continuing Legal Education seminars on the topics of Prenuptial Agreements and Family Law Basics.
Education
J.D., Seattle University School of Law
B.A., University of Washington
Collaborative Law Training
Mediation Training
Memberships
Washington State Bar Association, Family Law Section
King County Bar Association, Family Law Section
King County Collaborative Law (KCCL)
Domestic Relations Attorneys of Washington (DRAW)
American Bar Association (ABA)
Practice Areas
Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
A prenuptial agreement is a written contract created by two individuals before they marry. These agreements are often utilized by future spouses to initiate a transparent financial dialogue, thereby preventing misunderstandings later on. The agreement is required to disclose each party’s assets and debts at the time of marriage, and it may:
- Safeguard the assets and debts each party possesses at the time of marriage.
- Detail the management of income and expenses throughout the marriage.
- Outline the division of property and debts acquired during the marriage in the event of divorce, legal separation, or death.
- Define the financial support rights and responsibilities of each party should a divorce or legal separation occur.
A postnuptial agreement is a legal document that a couple enters into after their marriage has commenced. Despite being executed post-marriage, its terms and purposes closely resemble those of a prenuptial agreement.
Cohabitation and Living Together Agreements
A cohabitation agreement is a legal document crafted between two individuals who live together without being married. It serves to safeguard assets and define financial responsibilities and rights throughout the cohabitation period, as well as the division of assets should the relationship dissolve. This is especially crucial in Washington State, where courts may equitably distribute property and debts accumulated during cohabitation at the relationship's conclusion if deemed a "committed intimate relationship." Such an agreement empowers the parties to dictate their terms for managing and dividing income and assets both during and after the relationship.
Cooperative Divorce or Legal Separation
In a cooperative divorce, both parties share a desire to keep their matter out of court, to voluntarily exchange financial information, and to negotiate in a transparent and respectful manner. Settlement negotiations may take place directly through the attorneys or in mediation, depending on the needs of the parties.
Collaborative Law
Collaborative law offers an alternative to litigation, wherein the involved parties, aided by trained attorneys and other professionals, pledge to a transparent process, aim to settle their disputes respectfully in joint sessions, and agree to resolve all matters outside of court. It is applicable to divorce, legal separation, post-divorce modifications, and prenuptial/postnuptial agreements. For further information about Collaborative Law, visit the King County Collaborative Law website: What is Collaborative Law | KCCL (kingcountycollab.org)
Uncontested Divorce, Separation, or Modification
Some clients may have negotiated and settled the terms of their divorce (or another family law issue) with the other party but require assistance in preparing and filing the legal documents. Our services include drafting the required paperwork, securing signatures, filing the case with the court, and finalizing your uncontested divorce.
Legal Consulting and Coaching
Some clients prefer to represent themselves, but may want legal advice, legal coaching for an upcoming mediation, or help with the drafting or review of legal documents. We offer these limited legal services on an hourly basis, payable at the time of the service.