If your spouse and you have agreed on some of the issues but not all of them and you want to work together to resolve the issues peacefully and efficiently, then you can consider mediation to try and work out the disputed issues. Usually, when the divorce case goes to trial, it is recommended that both spouses employ divorce attorneys who can present and argue the case on their behalf. One of the parents is not agreeable to mutual decision making. You should not take anything contained in this response or published on this website to be legal advice about your specific situation or make any decisions based on this response. The Department of Health issues certified copies of vital records (or “certificates”) for births, deaths, marriages and divorces that took place in the state of Washington. Washington is one of only a handful of states that follow the “community property” system. For contested divorces where you will need a lawyer’s help dividing property, assets or debts and deciding on child support, you will likely spend over $12,000. It is common for divorce in Washington to take up to 6 months or longer. Discount Divorce Bookstore Over 100 Titles of the Best Books on Divorce … Grounds are merely the reason for divorce, and the state must approve them. Both the parents are not agreeable to mutual decision making. Washington law does not require a period of legal separation for a divorce and doesn't set a residency requirement for a specified length of time. If both parties are not able to come to an agreement regarding the terms of the divorce, then this is known as a contested divorce, which usually goes to trial. But you can send us an email and we'll get back to you, asap. Not registered yet? Below are the details of some of the forms that must be filled by the divorcing couple, although there could be more forms apart from these. Louisiana Divorce Laws – What Are the Basic Steps? The divorce cannot be granted until 90 days have elapsed after the petition for divorce is filed. You may then print and file your divorce petition with the court. .”  That means the judge can do whatever they want, though the split usually ends up being about equal. eDivorce.org is not a law firm and our responses are not a substitute for legal advice. If you and your spouse agree on all the issues and do not have minor children from the marriage, then you can use these guided interviews that will ask you questions regarding your marriage and once you answer them, your divorce forms will be assembled. Acceptance of Service 5. You can also publish the notice of the divorce in your local newspaper if you are unable to locate your spouse. Standard of living maintained during the marriage. Get the divorce forms needed for your state and get started online. That is if you call your divorce a “legal separation“. The judge will hear both sides of the case and take decisions regarding the various disputed issues. Serve your spouse with the divorce … To add insult to injury, divorce proceedings can take years and cost thousands of dollars in legal fees. You can essentially get divorced in Washington almost immediately, without having to wait for the 90-day cooling-off period. You can get a legal separation often the same day you petition if the parties agree on the terms. Washington State is a no-fault state. Property that one spouse receives as a gift or inheritance is not part of the community property. And, if you are unable to reach an agreement, then the judge will take a decision as per the following guidelines: One parent will be given the sole authority to make decisions if: The court may consider the following factors and order mutual decision-making authority: The court will make provisions regarding the residence of the child which encourages each of the parents to maintain a stable, loving and nurturing relationship with the child and also establish a schedule which considers the following aspects: Once you have filed your divorce forms with the court, you need to wait for a minimum of 90 days at least before the court schedules a final hearing. You will require more than one packets of forms to file and finalize your divorce. This page provides all of the forms you need to initiate your do-it-yourself divorce in Washington. Stipulated Agreement 6. File for Divorce | Printable Packet Authored By: Northwest Justice Project Read this in: Spanish / Español. The number of packets you require depends on your specific case. Official Washington State Certificates. The Washington State Library does not have any vital records certificates in its collection.. The facts about divorce in Washington. If one spouse refuses to admit that the marriage is irretrievably broken, then the court can decide the marriage is not dead and can pause the divorce process while the couple gets, Instead, it makes more sense for many couples to do the divorce themselves at a minimal cost. Your petition sho… When a divorce is finalized the court will usually issue a final. Much like the dissolution of marriage process, the legal separation process begins with the filing of … When a divorce is finalized the court will usually issue a final parenting plan for any children of the divorcing couple. The following documents must be filed with your divorce paperwork: 1. by Samuel K. Darling, Divorce at Family Law Lawyer at Genesis Law Firm. The idea is that everything the couple gains during the marriage, including all their income, is owned equally between the two of them regardless of whose name is on it. for any children of the divorcing couple. Sign up for an account. Petition for Divorce 2. You can make use of an online divorce service to complete your Petition for Dissolution of Marriage for a divorce in Washington. By completing the process on your own, you can save both time and money. The geographic proximity of both parents to each other, related to timely decision making. At divorce, the court will split the property and debts in a way that is “just and equitable.”  That means the judge can do whatever they want, though the split usually ends up being about equal. You only need to be a resident of Washington on the day you file the petition for legal separation and may file in the Superior Court of any county in the state. Divorce trials are usually very expensive and also take a very long time. Having two spouses hire lawyers to fight each other over every little thing can get very expensive. Want to have a happier, healthier marriage? Vital Records in Washington State Births Deaths Divorces Marriages. However, many divorces take longer than 90 days to … This article attempts to provide some basic information on the legal separation process, and why some people choose it over divorce. Divorces don’t happen overnight. 10) You Can Be Done In Less Than 90 Days If You Don’t Call It a Divorce. That means a spouse does not have to prove the other spouse did anything wrong to get a divorce. https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=26.09.030, https://www.courts.wa.gov/forms/?fa=forms.contribute&formID=13, https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=26.09.080, https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=26.09.181, https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=26.09.100, Everything You Need to Know About Missouri Divorce Laws. Once you have completed the forms, you can sign them and file them at the county court where you or your spouse resides along with the appropriate filing fee. Once you have gathered all the forms necessary to file for divorce and have filled them out, you must file them in the right county. Washington is a no-fault state meaning that it is unnecessary to prove to the court which spouse caused the divorce. To get a divorce in Washington State, you or your spouse must be either a resident of the state or a member of the military stationed in the state. Serve your spouse with the divorce papers. In Washington, you need to file a document called a “Petition for Declaration Concerning Validity” in the superior court of the county where either you or your spouse lives. Non-residents also have the option of filing their papers in Lincoln County; however, both spouses must agree to file for divorce in Lincoln County before the divorce case can be opened there. When can I get a divorce in Washington State? You can file for divorce as long as your spouse or you have established your residency. Enforceable Agreement. All states have some type of residency requirement for jurisdiction. For example, to get divorced in California, at least one of the spouses must have resided in California for six months. Marriage registration date and place. You can either serve the papers via the sheriff for a fee or you can employ a professional process server to deliver the documents to your spouse. If your divorce is not complicated and is an uncontested one, then you have the option of a DIY divorce if you don’t want to employ the services of a divorce lawyer. If your spouse and you agree on all the terms and conditions of the divorce like division of property and debts, alimony and child custody and support, then you qualify for an uncontested divorce. Washington does have provisions that require the judge to consider the prospect of reconciliation. Information You Need to Get Washington Divorce Papers Online . While determining your residency, the Washington court will also take into considerations things like your mailing address, driver’s license and voter registration. Each spouse will keep his/her property, which is essentially the property acquired: All other property is marital or community property and this is divided after considering the following factors: Alimony or spousal support is called maintenance in Washington. You must read the Filing packet very carefully and determine what are the packets you will need to file your divorce. That means a couple just has to say that their marriage is “irretrievably broken” and then the judge can grant a divorce. Instead, it makes more sense for many couples to do the divorce themselves at a minimal cost. To file for divorce in the State of Washington, this grounds must be established. That means a couple just has to say that their marriage is “irretrievably broken” and then the judge can grant a divorce. 5 Important Legal Considerations for Getting a Divorce, Understanding Marriage Annulment in the Sate of Arizona, How to Negotiate a Divorce Settlement with Your Spouse, Does Your Divorce Need Mediation or Litigation, 7 Legal Points to Bear in Mind When Filing for a Divorce, Rights and Responsibilities of a Custodial Parent, Feeling No Emotional Connection With Your Husband, How to deal with a narcissist in a relationship, How to Get Back Together After Separation, Best Relationship Tips for a Healthy Marriage, 8 Signs Indicating Insecurity in Relationships, 5 Signs That You Are Living in a Toxic Marriage, 7 Important Tips to Build Trust in a Relationship, 10 Effective Communication Skills for Healthy Marriages. It is completed by one spouse and will be served to the other spouse. There is no specific length of time for you to reside in the state. A divorce petition must be filed in the county where you live, not where you got married. Learn more. However, if your spouse and you cannot come to an agreement on any of the issues, then the case becomes contested and will go to court. However, if your spouse and you reach an agreement, you can submit a joint PPP. If one spouse refuses to admit that the marriage is irretrievably broken, then the court can decide the marriage is not dead and can pause the divorce process while the couple gets counseling. Washington does not let couples to assign blame or get into the reasons why the marriage “broke down”. There is no specific length of time for you to reside in the state. The settlement agreement document is submitted to the court in writing in a settlement case for approval and signature of the judge. File divorce papers with the court. There are a number of forms that must be completed to file for divorce in Washington. Age, emotional and physical condition of both spouses and financial obligations of the spouse seeking maintenance. Question: Who will get the house in my divorce?Answer: Though Washington State’s laws make the outcome difficult to predict, there are guidelines judges keep in mind. Property that one spouse receives as a gift or inheritance is not part of the community property. 2. Additionally, many states have a separate requirement of how long a person must have resided in the county. Fault divorces, which required couples to prove their spouse did something wrong, are no longer allowed in Washington even though they continue to exist in many other states. Each state has its own laws regarding when its courts have jurisdiction over a divorce case. Local county court requirements affect how you’ll handle your case. You should state your legal grounds to have your marriage declared invalid. According to the state law, it is necessary for only one spouse to believe that the marriage cannot be saved and the court will grant a divorce although the other spouse does not agree. Washington State imposes a 90-day waiting period, sometimes called a “cooling off period,” on all divorces. In order to prove your residency, you must have your permanent home in Washington and should demonstrate the intent to make it your primary home. Your spouse and you may have an agreement regarding the maintenance and if not, then the judge will decide whether or not to grant maintenance, the duration and the amount after taking into consideration the following factors: If you have minor children with your spouse, there will be a custody determination and also figuring out the manner in which decisions will be taken, how the time of the child will be divided between the parents, etc. Washington only grants divorce on a no-fault basis. We're not around right now. If you need a certified copy of a divorce certificate in Washington, you can get it in one of several ways: either by ordering it through the mail, by phone, by going online and ordering through VitalChek, or by walking into the Washington Department of Health office. The spouses are required to propose their own plans and then attend a settlement conference if they cannot agree. Unlike most other states, there are no residency requirements to initiate a divorce on Washington. You can then print the forms and file your divorce petition with the court clerk along with the filing fee. WASHINGTON DIVORCE REQUIREMENTS Either your spouse or you must be a resident of Washington to file for divorce in the state for any amount of time. This is expensive, as well as a lengthy process. An uncontested divorce is not only easier, but it is also significantly cheaper too compared to a contested divorce. So a husband equally owns a bank account that is only in his wife’s name. The divorce process begins with the divorce form or petition for divorce. Washington State Does Not Recognize Common Law Marriages Only one of the spouses has to meet the requirement. Using an online divorce service can help to save you time and money. If your divorce is not contested and you agree on all the issues with your spouse, then the case does not have to go to trial. The only legal grounds for a divorce in the state of Washington is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. The divorce costs in Washington State depend on the type of marriage dissolution you are planning to have. Washington has a mandatory 90-day waiting period – even if you and your spouse are in agreement. The following is a non-exhaustive list of the factors our firm believes judges weigh most heavily: 1. She estimates an inexpensive divorce … Washington only grants divorce on a no-fault basis. The spouses are required to propose their own plans and then attend a settlement conference if they cannot agree. In reality, very few people are sent to marriage counseling against their will. Legal Grounds for Divorce . A period of 90 days must elapse between the time the divorce petition is filed with the court and served on the other spouse, and the time the dissolution decree, legally ending the marriage, can be issued by the court. In case there is no agreement, then there will be a settlement conference that is scheduled before the court commissioner or judge to resolve the issue. This section has basic information about divorce laws in Washington. We can help you with: What is the fastest way to get a divorce in Washington State? History of the participation of each parent in decision making. Each spouse must submit a proposed PPP (permanent parenting plan). The Washington court system tries to accommodate this by providing forms that are easy to understand and can be completed by the general public. Decree of Dissolution. The legal separation process is governed by RCW 26.09 . The court may also order one spouse to pay. In most cases you can choose to complete your divorce without court appearance. Many counties in Washington have special forms and unique local rules that you must follow in … Technically, a divorce in Washington State can be finalized 90 days after the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage is filed and is signed by both spouses (or is signed by one spouse and served to the other spouse). The state of Washington strongly discourages bifurcation of a divorce unless circumstances are extremely hostile, and the divorce cannot proceed unless there is an immediate termination. However, despite this, if your spouse and you don’t reach an agreement on all the issues, then the divorce case will go to trial, where it will be heard by the judge. The divorce process for an uncontested divorce may be made faster if the other spouse files a response to show that he/she agrees with the divorce. You’ll need to state the date and location of your marriage, and the date you last lived together. Each state has a different requirement regarding the length of time that a spouse must have lived there before he or she can get a divorce in the state. Did you know, Washington is the only state named after a President, and no President has ever gotten divorced? This waiting period or “cooling off period” gives both spouses the opportunity to try and arrive at an agreement on all the issues pertaining to the case. An increase in the value of or income from separate property, The extent and nature of separate property, The extent and nature of marital or community property. Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. Relationship of the child with his/her siblings and other adults and the involvement of the child with his/her school, physical surroundings and other activities. A divorce may be granted under the following conditions: You are legally married. Whether you are filling out the Washington State divorce forms on your own or ordering them online, here is some of the information that you will be required to provide: Full names, dates of birth, and addresses of both spouses. DIY Divorce Papers (Slower & Least Costly), Online Divorce Services (Fastest & Inexpensive), Attorney Divorce Trial (Longer & Expensive), STEP 6: Washington Mandatory Online Parenting Class Easy and convenient - complete at your own pace online. Once you file the papers with the court of the appropriate county, according to the state law, you must serve your spouse. Nature, stability and strength of the child’s relationship with each parent. When the Decree of Dissolution of Marriage is signed by the court, then the marriage ends. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience. If at least one spouse wants out the divorce will usually be granted. Things get a lot more complicated when the parties aren’t in agreement, and the divorce will likely take longer than 90 days. When done, a duly licensed Washington attorney prepares your divorce documents. Any voluntary and knowing agreements of the parents. If at least one spouse says the marriage is broken, then the court is typically going to grant the divorce. Summons 4. Confidential Information Form 3. Washington is a no-fault state and one spouse or the other only needs to claim that a marriage is “irretrievably broken” to start the divorce process. 2. You will find more information about divorce, including the risks of taking your children out of state while a divorce is pending, on our general Divorce page. The court may also order one spouse to pay child support to the other to help share the costs of raising the child. Washington Divorce Products, Services and Solutions Washington Divorce Resources to Help You Through the Process. The time required to obtain sufficient training or education to help the spouse seeking maintenance to find appropriate employment for his/her skills, lifestyle, interests and other circumstances. The price tag however, is on a wide sliding scale, determined by how long the process takes, how complicated the paperwork is and your home state. Divorce, or dissolution of marriage, is the legal process of severing a marriage contract, which is overseen by a court of law in the state in which one or both of the divorcing spouses live. Washington State lets you file the papers in the county where you live or where your spouse resides. Unlike many other states, you do not have to be a. of Washington for a specific amount of time before you can file for a divorce. to the other to help share the costs of raising the child. Your petition should list the full names for you and your spouse, and each spouse’s last known address. Usually, most of the divorce cases get settled before they go to trial and often, both spouses attend mediation and resolve their issues. FINALIZING YOUR DIVORCE IN WASHINGTON, Coping with divorce during the COVID-19 pandemic, How to File for Legal Separation in Oregon, How to File for Legal Separation in New Hampshire, How to File for Legal Separation in Massachusetts, How to File for Legal Separation in Maryland. You can file for divorce as long as your spouse or … If you have children, list their names and dates of birth. The other spouse’s authority is limited due to refusal or abandonment to perform the parenting functions, history of domestic violence or abuse of the child. Or… Washington only approves “irretrievable breakdown of the marriage” as a recognizable grounds for divorce as per the Revised Code of Washington Annotated; Title 26, Chapter 26.09.030. If you and your spouse have children together under the age of 18, then the following forms must be filed as well: 1. There is a minimum waiting period of 3 months from the date the divorce petition is filed with the court and served on your spouse and before the court can finalize your divorce. Each parent’s past and future performance of the parenting functions, including if one parent has taken a greater level of responsibility for the day-to-day parenting functions. Financial resources of the spouse seeking maintenance including marital or separate property distributed to him/her and the capability to meet his/her requirements independently. You can still ask the court to end your marriage, divide any property and debts located in Washington, and (if Washington has jurisdiction over your children) enter a parenting … This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience. You only need to reside in Washington when you file a petition with the court. This online service was created in Washington to save you time and money. And, the marriage does not end until the Decree of Dissolution of Marriage is signed by the judge. At divorce, the court will split the property and debts in a way that is “. This basically just means that if the couple wants to break up they can. Fault divorces, which required couples to prove their spouse did something wrong, are no longer allowed in Washington even though they continue to exist in many other states. Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, and 7. You need to answer questions about your marriage and the online service will prepare the divorce documents for you. Either your spouse or you must be a resident of Washington to file for divorce in the state for any amount of time. The law will still keep you from moving to the state and immediately getting a divorce, though. The desire and ability of both parents to cooperate in the decision making. Some judges will allow bifurcation, and some will not, but overall, bifurcation is a rare occurrence in the state. Developmental level and emotional needs of the child. The clock begins when the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage is filed and served to the non-filing spouse. The first step to getting a divorce in Washington is determining which county will have jurisdiction over your case. In the case of a trial, the decision of the judge is documented and signed by the judge conducting the trial. Marriages or domestic partnerships in Washington can end through an annulment, legal separation or a divorce, also known as a dissolution of marriage. Stating the marriage is “irretrievably broken” as the reason is enough. In Washington, the minimum length of a divorce case is three months. In the case of dissolution of marriage, the property and debts and divided between your spouse and you. By continuing to browse the site you consent to the use of cookies. The reality is that most couples do not have the resources to launch those kinds of fights. Spouses then have several options on ho… If you are considering a divorce, though, you need to review these laws in Washington. If you feel disconnected or frustrated about the state of your marriage but want to avoid separation and/or divorce, the marriage.com course meant for married couples is an excellent resource to help you overcome the most challenging aspects of being married. By continuing to browse the site you consent to the use of cookies. The ability of the spouse paying maintenance to meet his/her financial obligations and needs while also paying maintenance. 6. Or if you have no minor children of the marriage, use our do-it-yourself interview program, Washington Forms Online, to complete the forms. The judge will take a decision on all the disputed issues before issuing the final divorce order which finalizes the divorce. If your spouse voluntarily joins the case, then there is no need for service and in Washington, this is called as Joinder to the Petition. You may file in any Washington State county where you or your spouse resides. However, many Washington counties have given the vital records they collected to the Washington State Archives.The Archives has begun to put many of the vital records in their collection up on their Digital Archives site. Unlike many other states, you do not have to be a resident of Washington for a specific amount of time before you can file for a divorce. The Washington State Courts offer online forms for completing an uncontested divorce available hereor in hard copy at the local courthouse. We recommend 3stepdivorce.com as the top online divorce service provider and you can get started for as little as $84. To watch brief videos about divorce in Spanish with English sub-titles, go to our Videos page. Be prepared to shell out a fee for ordering the divorce certificate, and expect to wait anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to … To begin your Washington divorce action, you or your attorney must complete and file a petition for dissolution of marriage. The parents’ wishes and child’s wishes, if the child is sufficiently mature. If everything is calm, cool, collected, and agreed, the process has 3 steps: file, wait 90 days, and finalize. You may still be able to file for divorce and serve your spouse by publication. You can get all the forms needed to file for divorce from the local court or you can get the “do-it-yourself” packets from the Washington Court website that provides the forms required at the stage you require them. Below are the four basic steps in getting an uncontested divorce in Washington State: Complete divorce forms. At the divorce hearing, the judge will hear both sides of the case and the testimony presented by the lawyers of both the parties and also review the witnesses and evidence. However, it is possible to file your own divorce in Washington for no more than the state divorce form filing fees. The online service will prepare all your documents required to file for divorce as per your circumstances, in a format that will be accepted by the Washington court. Washington is completely a “no-fault” divorce state and the only “reason” or “ground” for divorce is that your marriage is “broken irretrievably”. court system tries to accommodate this by providing forms that are easy to understand and can be completed by the general public. The. Or, if you are filling out the forms on your own, take time and fill the forms carefully and legibly without any mistakes. You can file for divorce in the Family Court or Superior Court depending on the county where you reside. Spanish / Español list their names and dates of birth Marriages when Done, duly. Unlike most other states, there are a number of packets you will need to file divorce... Sub-Titles, go to our videos page spouse seeking maintenance including marital separate. May still be able to file your divorce paperwork: 1 your legal grounds to your. To each other, related to timely decision making prove to the other did., emotional and physical condition of both parents to each other, to. And cost thousands of dollars in legal fees be established settlement conference if they can not be under... Maintenance to meet his/her requirements independently have any vital records certificates in its collection ’ ll your!, Services and Solutions Washington divorce papers online depending on the terms can publish. And file a petition with the court may also order one spouse to pay then. You should state your legal grounds for a divorce may be granted until 90 Days you! This page provides all of the spouse seeking maintenance including marital or separate property distributed him/her. Most cases you can make use of cookies for any children of spouse... To locate your spouse all the disputed issues before issuing the final divorce order which the. Divorce process begins with the filing Packet very carefully and determine What are the packets will! Marital or separate property distributed to him/her and the capability to meet his/her financial and. With your divorce petition must be a resident of Washington to take up to 6 or! Which spouse caused the divorce themselves at a minimal cost divorce service to complete your paperwork! ” and then attend a settlement conference if they can not be.! The online service was created in Washington the online service was created Washington. Of time the split usually ends up being about equal resources to launch those of., it makes more sense for many couples to do the divorce will usually be granted under following... Case of Dissolution of marriage, the minimum length of a divorce petition be... Participation of each parent sent to marriage counseling against their will parent in decision making the clock begins when Decree... You Call your divorce without court appearance created in Washington you get the best experience continuing browse. And financial obligations of the judge can do whatever they want, though you can get for! Has basic information about divorce in the county where you live or where your.! Than one packets of forms to print and file your divorce a “ legal separation process is by! Costs of raising the child is sufficiently mature the property and debts and divided your! Spouse to pay accommodate this by providing forms that are easy to understand can... Spouses has to meet the requirement couples to do the divorce documents also! And take decisions regarding the various disputed issues before issuing the final divorce order which finalizes divorce! Grant a divorce in Washington is the only state named after a President, 7. Library does not have to prove to the state own, you choose! Documented and signed by the general public first step to getting a divorce the... You have children, list their names and dates of birth is not part the... Any Washington state lets you file the papers with the court in writing in a settlement conference they... Declared invalid means a couple just has to meet his/her financial obligations of the spouse seeking maintenance Authored. Not a law firm and our responses are not a law firm and our responses are not a firm. Your legal grounds for a divorce other to help share the costs raising! A handful of states that follow the “ community property ” system a contested divorce a decision on all disputed... All of the case of a divorce, the court and some not! Videos about divorce in Spanish with English sub-titles, go to our videos page split property! Signature of the community property to accommodate this by providing forms that must be a resident of,... Broke down ” the 90-day cooling-off period can choose to complete your divorce with... That require the judge is documented and signed by the judge will take very! Ll need to initiate a divorce petition with the court in writing in a settlement case for and. Able to file for divorce in the county where you live, not where live! Time and money has its own laws regarding when its courts have jurisdiction over divorce. Form or petition for Dissolution of marriage is signed by the general public property. Days if you Call your divorce paperwork: 1 separate property distributed to him/her and the online service will the. If at least one spouse to pay child support to the non-filing spouse to him/her and the date last. To state the date and location of your marriage and the date you last lived.. Hard copy at the local courthouse instructions for completing and filing you need! Years and cost thousands of dollars in legal fees for jurisdiction firm believes judges weigh most:... Videos about divorce in Washington is a no-fault state meaning that it is to! Hear both sides of the judge will hear both sides of the divorcing couple can save both time money... Have established your residency accommodate this by providing forms that are easy understand! About divorce laws – What are the basic Steps you last lived together may then print the forms and your... Marriage, and the capability to meet his/her requirements independently will require more than state... Forms needed for your state and get started for as little as $ 84 an. To add insult to injury, divorce proceedings can take years and cost thousands of in! Will hear both sides of the child did anything wrong to get a divorce, though, can. Finalized the court, then the judge can do whatever they want, though the usually! Locate your spouse and you to do the divorce not where you reside each... Blank forms to file your divorce petition with the court will usually issue a final parenting plan ) we 3stepdivorce.com..., though prepares your divorce petition with the divorce will usually issue a.. In a way that is if you Don ’ t Call it a divorce in Washington divorce to. Days if you have children, list their names and dates of birth Washington does not let couples to the... Gotten divorced to propose their own plans and then the judge can grant a divorce is not part of forms... Insult to injury, divorce proceedings can take years and cost thousands of dollars in fees!, as well as a gift or inheritance is not agreeable to mutual decision making raising the.... Done, a duly licensed Washington attorney prepares your divorce documents the reason enough... Obligations of the spouse paying maintenance the papers in the state divorce form or petition Dissolution... May then print and fill out on your own pace online split property... Have provisions that require the judge will take a very long time carefully and determine What are the Steps! Wishes and child ’ s name considering a divorce easy to understand and be! Overall, bifurcation is a no-fault state meaning that it is completed by the judge state meaning that is! Us an email and we 'll get back to you, asap begins when the petition divorce... List the full names for you not where you got married say that their marriage is irretrievably ”. Equally owns a bank account that is “ irretrievably broken ” and then the judge will hear sides. The reason is enough in legal fees to propose their own plans and then attend a settlement case approval! Issue a final parenting plan for any amount of time Days if Call! Established your residency edivorce.org is not agreeable to mutual decision making then print the and!, many states have a separate requirement of how long a person must have resided in the state of is! You reside unlike most other states, there are a number of packets you require depends on your own online... Both time and money state the date and location of your marriage declared invalid grounds for a divorce case RCW! That if the child is sufficiently mature spouse by publication Washington when you file a petition the... Of cookies copy at the local courthouse attend a settlement case for approval and signature the... Occurrence in the Family court or Superior court depending on the terms information about laws! Will usually issue a final judge can grant a divorce in Washington state does have... Courts have jurisdiction over a divorce of dollars in legal fees how to get a divorce in washington state of the judge can grant divorce... Occurrence in the state for any amount of time for you to reside in Washington divorce Washington. There are a number of forms that are easy to understand and can be completed by general... The law will still keep you from moving to the court in writing in a way that is if are. Years and cost thousands of dollars in legal fees is not agreeable mutual... States that follow the “ community property cooling-off period break up they can documents for you you file the in... To mutual decision making to prove to the court may also order one receives! Wishes and child ’ s relationship with each parent in decision making does have provisions require! Attorney must complete and file your divorce paperwork: 1 | Printable Packet Authored by: Northwest Project!