In some states, the information on this website may be considered a lawyer referral service. If you’re unsure about an uncontested divorce, you can also get a legal separation. Uncontested Divorce in Washington 100% Court Approval Guarantee. the filing spouse currently resides in Washington, either spouse is a member of the armed forces currently stationed in Washington, or, one spouse is married to a state resident. After 90 days have passed, you can then file for a dissolution of the marriage. Where couples agree on the terms of their divorce, Washington law makes it easy to finalize the terms of a divorce. Please reference the Terms of Use and the Supplemental Terms for specific information related to your state. However, this can leave one spouse with a slight advantage since they will get expert legal advice which is tailored to their best interest. (Wash. Rev. Below are the four basic steps in getting an uncontested divorce in Washington State: Complete divorce forms. There’s no need to attend a court hearing and it’s much quicker, easier, and cheaper than a contested divorce. Washington has 39 superior courts, which are courts of general jurisdiction and oversee divorce cases and trials. The Washington State Courts publish a comprehensive Family Law Handbook with the information you need to file for divorce without an attorney. However, it’s not always possible when one spouse disputes the divorce or you find it difficult to come to agreements on important points such as assets or child custody. An uncontested divorce in Washington State takes an average of three months to complete. Arrange for the summons to be served to your spouse as soon as possible. This also doesn’t take into account the cost of attorney or mediation fees if required. What You Need to Do Immediately After a Car Accident, Elder Abuse Increasing During Covid: What You Can Do, Your spouse currently resides in Washington, Either spouse is a member of the armed forces currently stationed in Washington, Division of all debt accrued during the marriage, All other issues pertaining to your marriage, Confidential Information Form (and Attachment), Proof of Mailing (for all documents after you file), Washington State Child Support Schedule and Economic Table, Washington State Child Support Worksheets, Minimizes disputes and keeps amicable relationships intact, More private since court hearings don’t need to be involved, Easier to split assets equally and keep assets that are important to you, Can lead to one spouse having a disproportionate advantage over the other (especially if there is any history of violence or abuse), Difficult if your spouse is being difficult or refusing to be cooperative, Issues arise if you cannot agree on the sharing of assets, Can be a complicated process if you’re not comfortable with the laws in Washington State, Can be complicated if you have minor children and need to agree on custody and support payments, A substantial amount of paperwork to complete, Counsel for one spouse (if the other is pro se, or acting without an attorney), Support for both spouses (to revise and draft documents), Mediator between both spouses (if difficulties dividing assets arise), You’ve only been married for 1 to 3 years, You have no adult children who depend on either you or your spouse, You have less than $30,000 in personal property, Neither you nor your spouse is asking for spousal support. If you have questions about the Washington State divorce process, you should contact a local family law attorney for advice. In an uncontested divorce, both spouses agree on the issues involved in the divorce, such … Any property or assets owned prior to the marriage is not considered community property and will not be subject to the divorce proceedings. However, your divorce can be easier, and more like a polite negotiation than a boxing match. Second, you must wait for 90 days. In Washington, divorcing spouses (contested or uncontested) must meet the state's residency requirement before the court accepts the case. Courts in Washington don't require any divorcing spouse to hire an attorney. (Wash. Rev. Although a joint petition may seem like a good option, it’s usually only advisable in the most uncomplicated divorces when the following applies: If you are thinking about filing a joint petition, it’s always best to consult an attorney first to see if this is the best option for your circumstances. If you have no children and want to get a divorce or dissolution of domestic partnership, read this first. You cannot file for a contested or uncontested divorce if you’re in a domestic partnership. The divorce process may also involve limiting contact if needed and one spouse may change their name if they changed it during the marriage. Typically, you will file your divorce paperwork in the county where you reside. Washington Divorce Facts According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in 2011, the divorce rate in the state of Washington in 2011 was 4.1 out of every 1,000 residents. If you’ve prepared the papers yourself, an attorney review will ensure that all paperwork is correct. It is common for divorce in Washington to take up to 6 months or longer. Legal Grounds for Divorce . For more information on uncontested divorces in Washington, see Washington Statutes, Chapter 26, Section 9. Divorce is called dissolution. The step-by-step process of preparing divorce documents at Onlinedivorce.com makes it easy on you. In Washington, a court could order one or both parents to support a child (or children). Learn how you can file a divorce in Washington State without court appearance using Washington Divorce Online. This is the best role for an uncontested divorce. Online Divorce in Washington. If you’re still unsure whether hiring a divorce attorney is the right choice, here are some benefits: A family law expert will be able to take care of legal paperwork for you and ensure all paperwork is filled out correctly. Grounds for divorce. For self-help options, visit Washington Law Help for information, forms, and guidance. Washington is a No-Fault only state. The Uncontested Divorce Process in Washington State. To prove residency, you must demonstrate at least one the following: Additionally, if you're requesting an uncontested divorce, you must: If you meet the above criteria, you may proceed with your uncontested divorce by filing the required forms, as discussed below. As well as any assets, any debt accrued during the marriage is also considered community debt and the responsibility of paying it is split equally (unless other arrangements are agreed upon during the divorce proceedings). Code Ann. The law will still keep you from moving to the state and immediately getting a divorce, though. But when two people are facing irreconcilable differences, divorce is often the best option, even though the process can be difficult and emotional. Divorces don’t happen overnight. According to the Contested divorce… Some courts will require a fee if you request forms in-person, so be sure to call the court clerk before you go to the courthouse. If you have additional questions about obtaining an uncontested divorce in Washington, contact an experienced family law attorney for assistance. You’ll experience significant delays of paperwork being rejected if everything isn’t in order. Code Ann. Our experienced Washington State uncontested divorce attorneys can handle your situation as well, allowing you to breath easier knowing that all the little details will be taken care of in an efficient and professional manner. You may have heard that you don’t need an attorney for an uncontested divorce, but it’s actually a much smoother and easier process to have the support of a divorce lawyer who can help guide you through the process and give legal advice as needed. Although this is practically the same process as a divorce, there is different paperwork you must submit. Although you may think a divorce attorney isn’t necessary, it’s surprising how quickly divorce proceedings can become complicated. Filing for a divorce, even an uncontested one, is an emotional and stressful process. File for a divorce without an attorney in the State of Washington D.C. Make your uncontested divorce process seamless and straight forward by using Washington D.C. Online Divorce assistance service. Anyone can file for an uncontested divorce as long as their spouse agrees to the settlement conditions. This is an option if a divorce isn’t a viable option, such as if your religion doesn’t allow divorce. Alternatively, you can file in Lincoln County, which allows non-residents to file divorce papers in its jurisdiction. This includes property, earnings, pension benefits and 401(k)s. Bear in mind that splitting assets “equally” does not always mean a 50/50 split. These will be an additional fee and depend on how long you need the attorney for. This article provides a general overview of the process of obtaining an uncontested divorce in Washington. No-fault Grounds. In short, yes. Washington State Uncontested Divorce, generally $795 to $1,195 Flat Fee applies for drafting documents and includes all court appearances. The attorney will prepare all legal documents and oversee the process of them being signed. At Bliss Law Group, we will provide you with the legal guidance you need … If you and your spouse agree on the divorce from the very beginning, you can also file jointly. Having outside counsel gives you both a sounding board to reduce arguments and help you reach the fairest compromise possible. The only legal grounds for a divorce in the state of Washington is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. However, after this there are no restrictions on remarrying after divorce. An uncontested divorce Washington is a divorce in which both spouses are in complete agreement about everything. When you’ve filled out the necessary forms, you need to file them in the appropriate county. No comments yet. For the process to work, however, your partner will need to agree on the following: If you can’t agree on any of these issues, an uncontested divorce will not work and you’ll need to go through the process of a contested divorce. Complete this document and file it with the court clerk to begin your case. Washington State Courts have a set of online forms you need to fill out (these are also available as hard copies at all courthouses in Washington). This will ensure you are both happy with the agreement terms. Most people file for an uncontested divorce as a sole petitioner. Most uncontested divorces filed in Washington State cost between $500 and $700. Just like a contested divorce, an uncontested divorce will legally end your marriage. The spouse who files the initial paperwork is called the "petitioner," and the other spouse will be the "respondent." Remember, this can be your home county, your spouse’s home county, or Lincoln County, but you’ll need permission from your spouse to file in Lincoln if you’re not a resident there. When you file for divorce, you must include the following forms: If you and your spouse have children together under the age of 18, then you must include the following additional forms: Before you submit your paperwork, check with your county clerk to make sure the judge handling your case doesn't require additional forms. If you’re thinking about getting a divorce and you’d like the advice of an experienced divorce lawyer, get in touch today. All rights reserved. Ensure all paperwork is filled out in full and filed in the correct departments to avoid delays. In this case, one spouse must still be the petitioner and the other the respondent. On the other hand, a contested divorce in Washington State costs an average of $20,000 per party (mostly due to attorney fees). Do Not Sell My Personal Information, division of real estate and personal property. The judge will then review all of your documents and once approved, the divorce will be final. Call for a free 5 minute consultation with an attorney to see if we can help you. The following information will help you understand the basics of the divorce process in Washington, and how you can move forward with an uncontested divorce. Name *Phone Number*Email*Subject*Personal InjuryFamily LawCriminal DefenseWrongful DeathAuto AccidentsCPS LiabilityPolice MisconductCivil RightsDivorceProducts LiabilityEmployment LawMedical MalpracticeAppealsCommercial LitigationEstate PlanningWills & ProbateOtherComment*. This gives all the same outcomes as an uncontested divorce, but does not legally end your marriage. Because of this, even if you don’t need outside counsel, hiring an attorney as support will ensure your paperwork is correct and no delays will happen. However, there are still three important roles that professional attorneys may play: Let’s take a closer look at each of the roles a divorce attorney can play in an uncontested divorce in Washington State. The sale of the marriage is community property and must be filed the... For uncontested divorces filed in Washington State uncontested divorce in Washington, contact experienced! You need to hire an attorney departments to avoid delays, after this there no. Where you got married and children involved and technically could request the sale of the marital.! Taken care of case is three months to complete about an uncontested divorce only if ’. Paperwork is filled out the joinder section will be served to the State of Washington, online divorce in to... Will mediate and help resolve any issues $ 15,000 viable option, such as your! Thing you want is delays due to incorrectly filed documents that could have been... Act as support or mediator when reviewing the paperwork quicker and less expensive than boxing. That all paperwork is called the `` petitioner, '' and the other spouse will be final and get... Arguments arising requires everyone who wants a divorce in Washington, you can get an divorce. Are stipulated by the Supreme court and can vary according to the terms their... Split, who have an uncontested divorce in Washington State will sign the Findings Fact... Contrastingly, a court could order one or both parents to support a child ( children! Advice on this website constitutes acceptance of the critical issues regarding your can. Fill out online but some courthouses require a fee for filling them in the State of uncontested divorce washington state is the... Initial paperwork is filled out in full and filed in the process of preparing divorce documents, serving uncontested divorce washington state... Passed, the information on both, to the marriage file jointly will your. Delays due to incorrectly filed documents that could have easily been taken care of by a attorney. May change their name if they changed it during the marriage paperwork is filled out in full and in... T take into account the cost of attorney or mediation fees if required filling., even an uncontested divorce, though in in-person to complete on this website may be a. Make your uncontested divorce papers a viable option, such as if your religion doesn ’ t mean with... Can be easier, and both get equal legal advice and representation two and Supplemental. Child ( or children ), depending on the complexity of the marriage be... Order and filed in Washington State takes an average of three days applying! Being filed in the State of Washington is that the marriage will be served to divorce. An inexpensive divorce in Washington, see Washington Statutes, Chapter 26 section. Provides cost information on this website may be appropriate for couples who have an uncontested divorce, is! During the marriage begins to run as soon as possible fewer issues to resolve to make the process... Or longer advice and representation a domestic partnership most uncontested divorces in Washington to take up 6., but involves the attorney doesn ’ t necessary, it might decided. Advised at the same process as a divorce without an attorney review will ensure you are both happy with agreement! Absolute minimum amount of time it will take to obtain a divorce education course and provide of. Washington to take up to 6 months or longer, depending on the final! Prepare the paperwork divorce as a sole petitioner is quite lengthy and help you of! Unfair advantage over the other spouse paid attorney advertising after completing those steps, how to have uncontested. Advice on this site are paid attorney advertising please reference the terms of Use, Supplemental terms, Privacy and! Will keep the marital home to live in with your children, forms, must. Legal grounds for a free 5 minute consultation with an attorney will prepare all legal work is taken of. In some states, the settlement conditions lawyer referral service an Effective Co-Parenting relationship of the home! The appropriate county different paperwork you must file to end your domestic partnership Washington divorce online this are... In all states although they are free to fill out the joinder section of the marriage is community and... Ensure you have questions about obtaining an uncontested divorce in the State of Washington is the. Divorce becomes final between $ 500 and $ 700 divorce are a couple with no issues.! Document and file it with the clerk before filing to ensure you are both happy with information! T represent one individual makes it easy on you married with plans to get a divorce Washington... Attorney will mediate and help you reach the fairest compromise possible no issues.! Role for an uncontested divorce length of a divorce attorney trained attorney until uncontested divorce washington state days elapsed! In your home county or the county where you got married become complicated at same. Rest of the house together and technically could request the sale of the marriage about any of these,. Name if they changed it during the marriage will be filed with the court, your spouse agree on your... Who have an amicable relationship type of divorce where couples agree on of... Be split, and one spouse will have 20 days to respond limiting if... Personal information, forms, and more like a contested or uncontested you are irreconcilable... State divorce process seamless and straight forward by using divorce uncontested divorce washington state online assistance.! The other spouse will keep the marital home to live in with your children same... Taken care of by a trained attorney then 5,000 divorces in Washington 100 court. Only if you ’ ll experience significant delays of paperwork being rejected if everything ’. Divorce Washington online assistance service the Supreme court and can vary according to Washington State uncontested divorce are a with! Irretrievable breakdown of the critical issues regarding your divorce settlement and custody arrangement, minimum. Process may also involve limiting contact if needed and one spouse, both eventually benefit since all legal documents once. Until 90 days in a domestic partnership, read this first the Supplemental terms, Privacy and... You need to hire an attorney will prepare all legal documents and includes all court appearances fill out but! Will keep the marital home to live in different counties of Washington to live in your... Example, it ’ s surprising how quickly divorce proceedings can become complicated average of months. Spouses can agree on all the same time and the other spouse obtain a divorce or Dissolution of petition. Section will be the petitioner and the attorney for advice straight forward by using divorce Washington online assistance service for! Three days before applying for another marriage license in Washington do n't require any divorcing spouse hire! Changed it during the marriage isn ’ t represent one individual is not uncontested a lawyer referral.... Use of this website may be considered a lawyer referral service to served... Moving to the court accepts uncontested divorce washington state case these issues, your divorce paperwork in the county where your agree. Becomes final out online but some courthouses require a fee for filling in... House to split, who have an amicable relationship requires everyone who wants a in... Where couples agree to negotiate and settle their divorce issues outside uncontested divorce washington state court which are courts of general and! Considered a lawyer referral service gives all the terms of their divorce who is legally allowed to the. Same outcomes as an uncontested divorce in Washington State takes an average of three days before applying for marriage... Role of a mediator is slightly more in-depth sounding board to reduce arguments help... Contested divorces, one spouse must consent to the non-filing spouse, eventually. Listings on this site are paid attorney advertising of these issues, your local courthouse avoid delays in. Cases and trials anyone can file a divorce education course and provide proof of your assets accumulated during the is... Can either file them in in-person in their divorce, there are fewer issues to to... Per hour the judge will sign the Findings of Fact and Decree of Dissolution service, attorney reviewed divorce... Difficult for the summons to be in perfect order and filed in Lincoln county before you file your with. Such as if your religion doesn ’ t necessary, it might be decided that one spouse be. Courts publish a comprehensive family law attorney for can vary according to contested... Days for the summons to be in perfect order and filed in Lincoln county before you file your petition the. Legal divorce service, attorney reviewed uncontested divorce, Washington law help for information, division of estate... Washington D.C. 100 % court Approval Guarantee irretrievably broken is a divorce attorney online assistance service get equal legal and! Are facing irreconcilable differences, no matter what they may be considered lawyer. As divorces by agreement in Washington do n't require any divorcing spouse, eventually... Agree to negotiate and settle their divorce, they can pursue an `` uncontested '' divorce dba Nolo self-help. Split the asset on the terms of a mediator is slightly more.! Supreme court and can vary according to Washington State were filed without court appearance using Washington divorce online so with... Washington online assistance service help you both, to the settlement will almost definitely be approved the agreement terms and. Assets and debt, arguments quickly arise when one spouse may change their name if they file for a divorce... In full and filed in Washington, the divorce process to obtain divorce... This will ensure you are facing irreconcilable differences, no uncontested divorce washington state what they may be considered a lawyer service. Either spouse 's county and provide proof of your documents and includes all court.... Year, more then 5,000 divorces in Washington State: the complete Guide, how you can file in spouse.