Divorce, Child Support, and Child Custody

Frequently Asked Questions

While every case is different, the laws are the same. Here are a few common procedural issues.

These answers should in no way be construed as legal advice. For more personalized information, call us at 1 (800) DIVORCE or fill out a free case review online. Our managing attorney will review the details, assess your situation, and discuss your options over the phone at no charge.

The basic steps are simple: You must fill out the forms and submit them to the proper court, serve your spouse, hash out the details of a settlement, and sign the final documents. Things, however, often get complicated along the way.
Steps To File For Divorce in Washington State

Washington follows the community property model when dividing assets in a divorce. This means the courts view all property, assets, and debts acquired during as belonging equally to both spouses.

This does not mean everything is divided 50/50. Property is distributed in a fair, equitable way.

Learn About Asset Division
Child support follows a rigid formula to determine the amount of the payments. The equation includes the income of both parents, residential schedule, the level of need, expenses, and more.
How Payments Are Calculated

Washington has a mandatory 90-day waiting period before a divorce can be finalized.

This clock starts when you or your spouse first files the paperwork.

In simple cases where both parties agree on everything, divorce may take a little more than these 90 days. However, the more issues and conflicts you have to deal with, the longer it usually takes. Children, significant assets, and more often lengthen the process.

Factors That Affect The Divorce Timeline