Adultery has no bearing on a divorce in Washington State. Cheating doesn’t matter because Washington State is a “no-fault” state, which means that either party can file for divorce without providing proof of a particular cause, such as adultery.
Table of Contents
How much does the average divorce cost in Washington State?
While there’s no magic number that covers all, currently the average cost of divorce in Washington is roughly between $10,500-$12,000. With children, the average cost of divorce is $15,500. (Costs of common experts needed for a divorce and money-saving tips are addressed later in this post.)
What is the cheapest way to get a divorce in Washington State?
In Washington State, the law only requires one spouse to petition for the divorce. Since the other spouse cannot legally prevent the divorce, working with each other to accomplish the divorce amicably is wise and the most affordable approach.
How long do you have to be separated before divorce in Washington State?
Washington requires a waiting period of 90 days before entry of a decree of dissolution. The 90 day period begins to run after the summons and petition have been filed and served upon the other spouse.
How long does a divorce take in Washington State?
On average, an uncontested divorce will take three months, while a contested divorce may take a year or even longer. Generally, a longer, more complicated divorce is more expensive, while an uncontested divorce or a divorce handled through divorce mediation is shorter and less expensive.
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.
What is a wife entitled to in a divorce in Washington State?
You get a decree, a division of all the parties’ property, a parenting plan, a child support order, and potentially spousal maintenance (alimony).
Can you get a divorce without going to court?
In short, no. The court is an integral part of the process but you do not have to attend at court unless you require a judge to adjudicate a dispute between you.
Does a husband have to support his wife during separation?
If you’re in the process of filing for divorce, you may be entitled to, or obligated to pay, temporary alimony while legally separated. In many instances, one spouse may be entitled to temporary support during the legal separation to pay for essential monthly expenses such as housing, food and other necessities.
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.
How much is alimony in Washington?
Most judges award maintenance lasting 20-33% of the length of the marriage, and the monthly amount tapers with time. For example, the judge might award $2,000 for 2 years, and then decrease that amount by $200 every six months until maintenance ends.
How do I get a free divorce in Washington State?
How much does a divorce in Washington cost? The court filing fee is $280 for a dissolution of marriage (divorce). Other costs may include photocopying and delivery service fees. If you can not afford this fee, you may fill out a special form that will request the court to waive the filing fee.
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 is the fastest 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 after divorce can you remarry in Washington?
Length of the required waiting period The length of time you must wait before entering a new marriage after a divorce varies by state. For example, states like Nebraska and Wisconsin have a six-month waiting period, whereas Kansas and Washington D.C. have 30-day waiting periods.
How quick can I divorce?
A divorce or dissolution will take at least 6 months to complete, even if your circumstances are straightforward. It might take longer if you need to sort out issues with money, property or children.
Why are divorces expensive?
Most divorce attorneys in California charge an average of $330 per hour for legal representation, and expenses are generally higher in California than most other states due to the high cost of living and very high taxes in the state.
How soon can I start divorce proceedings?
There’s no legal time limit on when you can start divorce proceedings, as long as you’ve been married for one year. You can begin divorce proceedings as soon as you separate.
Is WA A 50/50 divorce state?
In a 50/50 divorce state like Washington, how much each spouse earned during the marriage doesn’t matter. All property that is considered community property — assets, debts, income, property, etc. — is subject to division.
Who gets the house in a divorce Washington?
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.
Is WA A 50/50 custody state?
The “Best Interest of the Child” Determines Custody Instead, Washington State courts are required to make child custody determinations based on the best interest of the child. This standard may result in the court ordering a 50/50 parenting plan, but not necessarily.
How do I start a divorce?
- Consult a Lawyer. The first thing to do after deciding to get a divorce is to consult and brief a divorce lawyer about the divorce.
- Ground for divorce.
- The Two-year rule.
- Divorce Process.
- Filing a Petition.
- Hearing of The Petition.
- Judgment, Decree and Divorce Certificate.
What state is the easiest to get a divorce?
Although this is not the cheapest state in which to divorce, the processing speed give Alaska its rating of easiest state for divorce, with an ease of filing score of 100/100.
What are grounds for divorce?
- What are the grounds for divorce?
- Adultery.
- Unreasonable behaviour.
- Separation for more than two years.
- Separation for more than five years.
- Desertion.
What is the rule of 65 in divorce?
The Guidelines also provides for the “Rule of 65”, which states that if the years of marriage plus the age of the support recipient at the time of separation equals or exceeds 65, then spousal support may be paid indefinitely.