The minimum time required to finalize a divorce varies by state. In some, like Oregon, it’s 30 days. Others, however, have a mandatory waiting period that exceeds six months.
Washington Has a 90 Day Waiting Period
In Washington, divorce takes at least 90 days. That’s the absolute minimum, but many take much longer.
The 90-day clock starts when you or your spouse file the divorce action. If you both agree on every aspect of your case, the judge may sign your divorce decree after the three months are up.
But you have to agree on dividing assets and debts, child custody, child support, spousal support, and any other issues.
The more you have to fight about, the more complicated the process becomes.
Why Can Divorces Take Longer Than 90 Days?
Contentious splits not only often require more time, but also additional expenses and resources.
The more complex the case, the more likely you are to require the services of a divorce lawyer. Adding kids to care for and assets to divide prolongs the process, often by months or more.
But additional services aren’t limited to your attorney. You may need to enlist a variety of other professionals along the way. These are just a few types of experts you may need depending on the complexity of your situation and how contentious your divorce becomes.
Related Reading: Can You File For Bankruptcy During a Divorce?
Common Experts Needed in A Divorce Proceeding:
- Guardian Ad Litem.
- Forensic Accountant.
- Financial Planner.
- Home Appraiser.
- Data Recovery Specialist.
- Mediator or Arbitrator.
- Private Investigator.
- Special Master.
- Parental Evaluation.
- Process Server.
- Vocational Evaluator.
Related Reading: How Is Debt Divided During A Divorce? In-Depth
The Waiting is the Hardest Part
So, 90 days is the minimum time it takes to divorce in Washington. However, many factors can extend that timeframe.
If you can’t reach a settlement on your own or through mediation or arbitration, your case ultimately goes to trial. There, a judge rules the case and determines the outcome. This, of course, takes a great deal of time. The courts commonly schedule trials months in advance.
On average, divorces that go to trial take over one year to finalize.