Kids Need Both Parents
- Children in disrupted families are nearly twice as likely as those in intact families to drop out of high school. (Study, Nicholas Zill)
- A third of all two parent elementary school students are ranked as high achievers as compared to only 17% of single parent students. (Study Nat'l Assn. of Elementary School Principals)
- Three-quarters of children of divorced parents have poor relationships with their fathers and a third drop out of high school. (Survey, Atlantic Monthly)
- Children from fatherless homes are disproportionally represented in cases before juvenile court. (Atlantic Monthly)
Aug. 1995 Revision
- What can United Fathers do to help you?
- What services does United Fathers of America offer?
- How do you contact United Fathers?
- What is the cost for services from United Fathers?
What can United Fathers do to help you?
United Fathers helps parents separated, divorcing, divorced or never married - who are having difficulties working out arrangements for caring for their children - mainly with concerns such as residential time or financial support. We have trained paralegal staff that can assist mothers and fathers in the preparation of court documents. We also provide assistance with issues of domestic violence.
We provide a carefully crafted strategy for working through the court system to maximize your chance of success. We have a team of counselors, each of whom has a particular area of expertise. We work together in an integrated effort to help you succeed.
We also provide information about selecting and dealing with attorneys, behavioral health personnel and other professionals. We have an extensive research library, consisting of law books, case opinions, law articles and sample forms for preparing and defending your case.
What services does United Fathers of America offer?
- Counseling
- Non-members may meet with a paralegal in our downtown Seattle office
for a review of their situation, have their questions answered and discuss
strategy. There is no charge for this service. Appointments can be made
by calling (206) 623-5050. Anyone who has a problem arising from a
domestic relations case in Washington State, or who is a resident of
Washington who has a case in another State, can take advantage of this
option. Those who live outside of the Puget Sound area can call our
toll-free number at 800-689-7949 to set up a telephone appointment.
[Back to Services]
- Membership
- Membership is available for those who wish to work on an ongoing basis
with a paralegal. If a case is complicated on specific techniques for
handling complex cases. Membership entitles one to the low-cost services
listed below.
[Back to Services]
- Paperwork Preparation
- Documents necessary to initiate or respond to court or administrative
actions regarding parenting (establishing or modifying child support,
parenting arrangements or paternity) can be prepared by a paralegal, who
reviews filing procedures and service requirements.
[Back to Services]
- Preparation for Court
- After filing all the appropriate documents, members are coached in proper
courtroom etiquette and presentation of their case. At the conclusion of
every court appearance, members meet with the counselor/paralegal for a
post-court debriefing to review the effectiveness of the courtroom
presentation.
[Back to Services]
- Representation at Administrative Hearings
- For those individuals whose support is being or has been set by the
Division of Child Support (formerly known as the Office of Support
Enforcement,) a United Fathers paralegal can represent them in the
administrative process. This includes gathering information from DCS files,
negotiating with the support officer and participation in the hearings
process. The average reduction in support is over 50% in contested cases,
and over 75% of accumulated arrears (average per case over $8,000.00
saved.)
[Back to Services]
- In-Office Attorney Referral
- Three experienced and effective family law attorneys share office space
with United Fathers, and have agreed to provide legal representation for
members who feel they would benefit from an attorney's services. The fees
charged by these attorneys are about half of those charged by comparable
private attorneys.
[Back to Services]
How do you contact United Fathers?
Call for a free appointment! The address and phone numbers are listed below. Initial appointments are available from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM Mondays through Fridays and in our Everett, WA office after 3:00 PM (206-659-5672). Evening and weekend appointments can be made by special arrangements. If you need only a quick review of you situation and some questions answered, there is no charge. If you need further help, you should become a member. All your options will be explained to you as part of your consultation.
United Fathers of America
Smith Tower, Suite 1521
506 Second Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101-2311
(206) 623-5050
(800) 689-7949
FAX (206) 623-3933 |
Make sure to bring any relevant paperwork, such as the court file. We are located on the 15th Floor of the Smith Tower, one block from Pioneer Square. We are right around the corner from the courthouse.
What is the cost for services from United Fathers?
We are a non-profit agency. Our only source of funding is memberships and consulting fees. We keep our charges to the minimum possible to support our efforts. Our goal is to help people economically disenfranchised by providing quality, affordable services for both fathers and mothers.
We can refer appropriate causes to the Law Firm of Dancey and Cassady with offices directly adjacent to ours. For qualifying members of United Fathers, their legal work is charged at $75.00 per hour.
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Copyright © 1996, 1997 United Fathers of America
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Last modified: Friday, November 01, 1996
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