The first step in filing a divorce complaint in Washington is to establish residency. The petitioner swear under oath that they are a citizen of the state. They must provide a valid driver’s license or state-issued ID to verify their status as a resident. Once residency is established, they must proceed according to local divorce laws.
What are the Grounds?
The state of Washington doesn’t identify any fault-based divorce grounds. All divorces are based on irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. To avoid a dismissal of the case the petitioner should offer evidence to support their claim. If the defendant denies this claim, the court evaluates evidence to make a ruling.
What is the Waiting Period?
The state of Washington requires a 90-day waiting period for all divorce cases. The court won’t evaluate evidence or render a ruling until this deadline. The court requires the waiting period to allow a possible reconciliation. The waiting period begins after the defendant receives the divorce summons.
Achieving an Uncontested Divorce
To achieve an uncontested divorce both parties must agree to the terms. They must create an agreement for property division and child custody, if applicable. Both parties must sign and testify to the divorce grounds. Couples who don’t have marital property or children together could acquire a simplified divorce.
A simplified divorce equates to the couple visiting one Attorney in Puyallup WA. The attorney prepares the divorce documents. The couple signs them and waits for the court’s approval to finalize the divorce. There aren’t any disputes, and mediation isn’t required.
Marital Property Division and Debts
All marital assets and debts are considered community property. The state ensures that the assets and debts are divided equally. Any debts or assets accumulated prior to the marriage or after the separation date aren’t included.
Washington divorce cases require the petitioner to follow all guidelines properly. The state imposes restrictions on marriage cases and require ample time for possible reconciliations. Whether or not the case is finalized is up to the discretion of the court. Washington residents who wish to file for a divorce should contact an Attorney in Puyallup WA now.
