Most agreed divorce services in Washington State charge between $500 and $700 including the $300+ court filing fee. Our firm recommends an agreed divorce service named Peaceful Separations, which charges closer to $700 including the court filing fee.
What is a wife entitled to in a divorce in Washington State?
Washington is a 50/50 divorce state. This means that almost all property, assets, and debts acquired during a marriage are subject to division in a divorce—regardless of who secured them. However, it does not mean that everything will be divided in half between spouses.
What is the cheapest way to get a divorce in Washington State?
An uncontested divorce in Washington State is a divorce in which neither spouse is the defendant. There’s no need to attend a court hearing and it’s much quicker, easier, and cheaper than a contested divorce.
How long do you have to be separated before divorce in Washington State?
If there are still disputed issues, the judge will decide for you. Once the judge finalizes your legal separation, you must wait six months before asking the court to convert it to a formal divorce. (West’s RCWA 26.09.
Is Washington always a 50/50 divorce state?
Washington courts do not usually split a couple’s property 50/50. Instead, they use what is called equitable division. Courts consider multiple factors to determine how to divide a couple’s property fairly among both people, not simply equally down the middle.
How many years do you have to be married to get alimony in Washington?
Alimony in Medium-Term Marriages (5–25 years) As a general rule of thumb, courts in Washington State award one year of alimony for every three or four years of marriage. There is no statute or case law explicitly stating this formula, but it is an oft mentioned rule and generally what courts can be expected to do.
What can be used against you in a divorce?
Spending marital money on extramarital affairs. Transferring marital funds to another person before a separation. Spending unreasonable amounts on business expenditures. Selling marital assets below the market value.
Who gets the house in a divorce in WA?
One Party’s Separate Property. Courts usually award each spouse his or her separate property and divide community property 50/50. Consequently, if the house is entirely one spouse’s separate property, he or she almost always receives it unless the parties agree otherwise.
Does a husband have to support his wife during separation?
…a person has a responsibility to financially assist their spouse or former de-facto partner, if that person cannot meet their own reasonable expenses from their personal income or assets. Where the need exists, both parties have an equal duty to support and maintain each other as far as they can.
Do you need a reason for divorce in Washington State?
No. Washington is a “no-fault” divorce state. You do not need to prove a spouse was “at fault.” You must only prove irreconcilable differences: you no longer get along.
Who pays for a divorce?
There appears to be a myth that the person being divorced (known as the Respondent) always pays the fees for a divorce, when in reality this is not the case in the majority of divorce cases. The person filing for the divorce (known as the Applicant) will always pay the divorce filing fee.
How long does a divorce take in WA?
Getting a divorce in WA is generally takes within 8-12 weeks. It depends on how busy the Court is. The divorce does not become final until one month and one day after the divorce hearing. This is important to remember if you are planning to remarry.
What is the first step in filing for a divorce in Washington State?
To begin your Washington divorce action, you or your attorney must complete and file a petition for dissolution of marriage. In this document, you will state that your marriage is irretrievably broken, and you are requesting the court dissolve your marriage.
Can you date while legally separated in Washington State?
While there is nothing legally wrong with dating before your divorce is official in Washington State, it can often begin disputes and complexities that you could otherwise avoid.
Is separation a good idea before divorce?
By taking some time apart from your spouse before you file for divorce, you can ensure that divorce is the right option for you and feel confident moving forward in the divorce process. Separation can allow both spouses to reconnect with hobbies or other aspects of life they felt were missing during their marriage.
Can you refuse a divorce in Washington State?
No. Washington is a “no-fault” divorce state. You do not need to prove a spouse was “at fault.” You must only prove irreconcilable differences.
How is debt split in a divorce in Washington State?
During your Washington divorce, all your property and all of your debts, even those you have separate from your spouse will be divided and awarded to one party or the other, sometimes with the assistance of the court.
What assets are included in divorce?
Matrimonial assets typically include things like the family home, pensions, investments and savings. Matrimonial assets can also include any property acquired before the date of the marriage if this was purchased for use as the family home, or any furniture that was bought specifically for this residence.
Can a working wife get alimony?
Even though your spouse has a full-time job, they are still entitled to ask for spousal support. They can ask for support once a legal separation or divorce is filed with the court. If the judge deems it necessary, he or she can order you to pay spousal support even while your divorce is pending.
How does a wife get alimony?
You can ask for alimony as part of a divorce proceeding. If you and your spouse reach an agreement about alimony, you can ask the judge to make the agreement a part of the court order. If you cannot reach an agreement, the judge will decide whether you are entitled to alimony.
How is alimony determined in WA?
There is no formula for judges to use to decide maintenance awards. Instead, the judge must consider each of the following factors: the financial resources of the spouse asking for maintenance, including separate or community property from the divorce and any child support orders that provide for the couple’s children.
Can text messages be used against you in a divorce?
Can My Texts Be Used Against Me in a Divorce? The short answer is “Yes.” The court usually allows the person receiving the text to testify that he or she recognizes the phone number the text was sent from. The court might also ask about the sender’s identity and the context of the message.
What not to do when you want a divorce?
- Don’t Get Pregnant.
- Don’t Forget to Change Your Will.
- Don’t Dismiss the Possibility of Collaborative Divorce or Mediation.
- Don’t Sleep With Your Lawyer.
- Don’t Take It out on the Kids.
- Don’t Refuse to See a Therapist.
- Don’t Wait Until After the Holidays.
What should you not forget in a divorce agreement?
- A detailed parenting-time schedule—including holidays!
- Specifics about support.
- Life insurance.
- Retirement accounts and how they will be divided.
- A plan for the sale of the house.
Do I have to sell my house if I get divorced?
Do we have to sell the house if we’re divorcing? No, not necessarily. However, divorce and property rights can be complicated and so it will depend on your circumstances. Bear in mind also that it’s not just financial considerations that will determine whether you must sell the property.