Do I Have to Move Out of My Home?

Not unless the court orders you out. Moving out can harm several unexpected areas of your case. What To Know Before You Go

How Does Discovery Work in Divorce?

Each side must share it's evidence. This allows both sides to assess the strength of the opposition’s case and prepare a legal strategy. What Is Discovery In Divorce?

How is Legal Separation Different From Divorce?

The most obvious difference is that divorce legally dissolves a marriage, while the union technically remains intact with a separation. Each has potential benefits and drawbacks. Legal Separation Vs. Divorce

Can You Appeal Your Divorce Decree?

Yes. However, like most court orders, once in place, the terms of divorce are usually difficult to modify. It’s best to take the time and ensure you can live with the agreement before it becomes official. Appealing A Divorce Order

What if Your Ex Violates Your Divorce Agreement or Parenting Plan?

Divorce decrees and parenting plans are both official court orders. Hopefully, it won’t come to that, but it does mean they are enforceable through legal means and action. Motion To Enforce

How are Protection Orders Used in Divorce?

Protection orders are often used in divorce to keep participants safe during the process. Washington has multiple types of orders for use in specific situations and circumstances. How Are Protection Orders Used in Divorce?

When Should You Hire a Divorce Attorney?

You have the right to represent yourself in a divorce, like in all legal matters. However, it is usually in your best interests to have an attorney on your side. Even in relatively straightforward cases, divorce can become complicated in a hurry. An experienced attorney can guide you through the process and keep you from making costly mistakes. When To Hire A Divorce Lawyer

How Does Mediation Work in Divorce?

In mediation, both parties come together with a neutral third party to negotiate a divorce settlement that works for everyone. Mediation During Divorce

Can You Represent Yourself in a Divorce?

You have the right to represent yourself in any legal proceeding, and it has become especially popular in divorce. However, it’s often in your best interests to at least consult a divorce attorney during the process. DIY: A Look At Pro Se Divorce

What Is Child Support?

Child support payments are intended to cover the costs of food, shelter, clothing, medical care, and any other necessities associated with raising a child. They are typically paid to the primary custodial parent. What do Payments Cover?

How Are Child Support payments calculated?

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

What to do if your ex does't make payments

Just because the court orders child support doesn’t mean your ex will pay. Fortunately, there are legal steps in place to protect yourself and your child. Motions For Contempt

Can I Modify Child Support Payments?

You can seek to modify the amount of child support payments. You must show a significant change in financial circumstances. Even then, however, it is often difficult to change an existing order. How To File For Modification Change

Child Support After 18 and Post-Secondary Education

There are several reasons child support payments might last after "the age of majority", meaning 18. The most common is the child hasn't graduated high school yet. Other reasons include things like post-secondary education(college) or a child with special needs. Support Payments And College

Divorce and Family Law

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Divorce Process

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

Laws governing custody, property division, and more vary significantly from one state to the next. It is vital to know the specific regulations that apply to your case.

Divorce Jurisdiction: Where You File Matters

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

A divorce decree is the official court document that legally ends a marriage and outlines the terms of the settlement.

Divorce Decrees: What You Need To Know

Finances

The average divorce in Washington costs roughly $12,000 to $15,000. Simple cases can cost much less, while complicated cases can cost much more.

A Look At The Cost Breakdown

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

If you want to file for bankruptcy in Washington, you must do it either before filing for divorce or after the split is official. You can’t finalize a divorce with open bankruptcy proceedings.

Bankruptcy: Before And After Divorce

What Are Considered Assets In A Divorce?

Almost everything is considered an asset in a divorce. Things like cars and houses are obvious, but furniture, collections, and even airline miles can be divided in a divorce settlement. Divorcing spouses can and often do argue about anything.

Learn More

Airplane Miles

Cemetary Plot

Business

Professional Degree

Memorabilia

Alcohol

Horses(not pets)

Electronics

Books

Child Support

In Washington, child support payments typically last until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever comes later. There are cases where they can continue for longer.

When do they continue past 18?

Child Custody

A parenting plan is the document that lays out custody, visitation, support payments, decision-making power, and other issues related to children. Think of it as a roadmap to custody.

Washington State Parenting Plans

Are There Advantages to Filing for Divorce First?

While the spouse who files for divorce first gets the ball rolling, that doesn’t always give you an advantage. It’s more important to make sure you are prepared and organized.

Should You File For Divorce First?

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