DIVORCE INFORMATION

Divorce is formally called “dissolution of marriage” in Washington State. Having knowledge of all the issues involved prior to filing for a divorce will help you better navigate the divorce process.

What Are Grounds For Divorce In Washington?

Washington is a no-fault divorce state. This means there is no need to assign blame for the end of a marriage. All Washington state law requires is one spouse to declare the marriage is “irretrievably broken” and that there is no chance of reconciliation.

Who Can File For Divorce In Washington?

To file for divorce in Washington, you or your partner must currently reside in the state.

Where Do I File For Divorce In Washington?

You can file for divorce in your or your spouse's county. Alternatively, you can file your paperwork in Lincoln County or Wahkiakum County, even if neither resides there. However, both spouses must agree to file the case in Lincoln or Wahkiakum County.

How Long Does The Divorce Process Take?

Washington has a 90-day waiting period for a divorce to become final.
This clock starts ticking once the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage is filed and served to the non-filing spouse. If both spouses sign the Petition, the countdown then begins upon filing.
This is the minimum time you will have to wait. It often takes longer if there are disputes about the division of property, child custody, support, and other issues.
During this waiting period, the court may issue temporary orders to address custody, support, property use, and more.

What Is Uncontested Divorce?

Uncontested divorce, as the name implies, means the spouses have no disputes. If you and your spouse agree on all the issues—the division of property, child custody, support payments, and any other topics—you qualify for an uncontested divorce.
This is most common in shorter marriages with no children and little or no shared property to split up.

What Is Divorce Mediation?

If there are disagreements between spouses, the case may require mediation.
In mediation, both spouses come together with an outside third-party facilitator to reach accords on any lingering conflicts. This gives both parties the chance to work together to come to a resolution that works for everyone.

Is Washington A Community Property State?

Yes, Washington is a community property state.
This means the state presumes all assets and property acquired during a marriage is the property of both spouses. There are exceptions, notably gifts or inheritances, but generally, the state considers everything else as being owned by both spouses.
This also applies to any debt that accrues during a marriage. This doesn’t mean that all assets are divided 50/50 in a divorce. Properties and liabilities are divided in a “fair and equitable” way. The goal is for both spouses to emerge from a divorce on stable, equitable footing.

Can I Use Washington Divorce Online If I have children?

Yes, you can still use Washington Divorce Online if you have children. As with other areas, you and your spouse must be on the same page. This includes custody arrangements, visitation, child support, and other topics.