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Pull up a chair.
Those two seats across from this desk have held many people going through one of the strangest experiences in American law.
Divorce is a lawsuit. So is adoption. These are the only times when two people who may be in complete agreement — who want exactly the same outcome — are still required by law to go through the court system to change their legal status. No contract, no signature, no notary can make you unmarried. Only a judge can do that.
The law requires this because what's at stake is enormous: your finances, your home, your retirement, your children, your rights going forward. The court is needed to make sure those changes are done correctly and completely — not just to make your life harder.
But here's what most people don't realize until it's too late: the lawsuit doesn't have to be a fight. You don't even need two lawyers.
You have the right to go through this process together, with one lawyer helping both of you — honestly, efficiently, and without the financial and emotional wreckage of adversarial divorce.
That's what One Lawyer is. And those two chairs are where it starts.
Yes, you do have the right to share a lawyer. One Lawyer has delivered better divorce results for our clients, with less drag time and with much lower cost, since 2004.
Melissa Denton introduces One Lawyer Services
A Matter Of Trust
If you are trying to stay respectful with each other, you probably are a fit for One Lawyer, but it only works when you can be honest enough with each other not to lie or withhold information about finances. We rely on "trust but verify", supported by the required documentation that you voluntarily provide. You don't have to know all the details already, agree with each other, or enjoy interacting with each other. Being able to trust each other not to lie, steal, or hide the money allows us to do the essential work of building the best possible future for each of you. It makes it much less painful for other family members, especially the kids.
Talk To Me - "The Judge Rule"
Every communication to or from Ascher & Denton about the issues in your case must be shared with the other party at the same time. This means no separate calls, no private emails — everything about your case is shared with both of you, always. See more details about this foundation of trust on our One Lawyer page.
I'll Have What She's Having
"Melissa Denton made my divorce as quick and painless as possible. This woman is fierce, smart, and fair." Stasha Aitken
"Melissa intervened with amazing promptness, knowledge, wisdom and compassion to help all parties see what was best for the child, and each other. She has counseling skills so you're getting double service from one person." Diane Donalies
Sweet Melissa
Melissa Denton has practiced family law in Washington State since 1990. She has handled cases at every level, including a landmark case that reached the Washington State Supreme Court. That depth of experience matters in One Lawyer work because she brings the full weight of her legal knowledge to both parties simultaneously, ensuring no one in the room is left uninformed.
Melissa created the One Lawyer process in 2004, not as a business strategy but because fourteen years of adversarial practice had proven that traditional litigation, mediation, and collaborative law should not be the only options. They all cost more and frequently hurt people at a vulnerable time, whereas One Lawyer is significantly less expensive, reduces agony, and protects privacy. Melissa has continuously refined this process ever since and is currently writing a book about it for you and for the experienced attorneys who will enjoy offering these services.
Melissa will tell you the truth, even when it isn't what you hoped to hear. And she will treat the other person with the same respect she extends to you. That's because the One Lawyer process requires it, and because, in the long run, you wouldn't have it any other way.
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