It's important to understand that if you file the wrong forms, submit your petition without all the required forms, or bring your paperwork to the wrong court, the judge may dismiss your case, and you will have to start the process over. 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. This usually happens when one spouse seeks the advice of an attorney to file the uncontested divorce papers. To make the settlement as easy as possible, it’s a good idea to arrange a meeting with your spouse along with a mediator to discuss all assets, debt, and child custody (if required) to come to an agreement on all aspects and ensure both parties are happy. 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. Divorce is inevitably difficult for the adults and children involved. No one gets married with plans to get divorced. Are Parenting Plans Affected By New Covid restrictions? If you’re unsure if an uncontested divorce is the right option for you, a divorce attorney will also be able to review your case and give you their advice on whether this is the best route. In Washington, the minimum length of a divorce case is three months. All the costs are stipulated by the Supreme Court and can vary according to the terms of your case. The uncontested divorce in the Washington State costs approximately $15,000. The last thing you want is delays due to incorrectly filed documents that could have easily been taken care of by a trained attorney. The information provided on this site is not legal advice, does not constitute a lawyer referral service, and no attorney-client or confidential relationship is or will be formed by use of the site. Contrastingly, a contested divorce can easily take twelve months or longer, depending on the complexity of the marital assets. When divorcing spouses can agree on all the terms of their divorce, they can pursue an "uncontested" divorce. FL Divorce 201: Petition for Divorce (Dissolution) ... Washington State Child Support … Online divorce may be appropriate for couples who have an uncontested case. Just like a contested divorce, an uncontested divorce will legally end your marriage. This will ensure you are both happy with the agreement terms. Even though you bought the house together and technically could request the sale of the house to split the asset. Code Ann. If they don’t approve of filing in Lincoln County, you’ll have to use either your or your spouse’s home county. For more information on uncontested divorces in Washington, see Washington Statutes, Chapter 26, Section 9. However, this doesn’t mean those with children and substantial assets cannot get an uncontested divorce. An uncontested divorce in Washington State takes an average of three months to complete. In Washington, a court could order one or both parents to support a child (or children). Uncontested or "simplified" divorces are available to couples with or without children and are generally much less expensive than contested divorces. A Washington state uncontested divorce is essentially an expedited divorce process. Please reference the Terms of Use and the Supplemental Terms for specific information related to your state. To prove you reside in Washington State, you’ll need to show proof of one of the following: Apart from proving residency in Washington State, there are no other prerequisites for filing for uncontested divorce. It is completed by one spouse and will be served to the other spouse. For self-help options, visit Washington Law Help for information, forms, and guidance. When you’ve filled out the necessary forms, you need to file them in the appropriate county. Actions are filed in the Superior Court. We’ll give you our professional advice on the best route for your circumstances and help make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible. To begin the process of an uncontested divorce, you must know your spouse’s address and both agree on the terms of the divorce. Washington State Uncontested Divorce, generally $795 to $1,195 Flat Fee applies for drafting documents and includes all court appearances. Washington has 39 superior courts, which are courts of general jurisdiction and oversee divorce cases and trials. 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. 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. The most common role of an attorney is counsel for one spouse. Many people believe that if they file for an uncontested divorce, there is no need to hire a divorce attorney. If you prepare the paperwork yourself, the judge will expect everything to be in perfect order and filed in the correct place. It can include the attorney help that may cost $500-600 per hour. Copyright ©2021 MH Sub I, LLC dba Nolo ® Self-help services may not be permitted in all states. Washington State Does Not Recognize Common Law Marriages But when two people are facing irreconcilable differences, divorce is often the best option, even though the process can be difficult and emotional. 6. 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. This means one person wants the divorce and will serve the divorce papers to their spouse (even though they agree to the divorce terms). Washington offers a simplified process for uncontested divorces if spouses can agree on all issues in their divorce—divorce courts in the Evergreen State refer to this simplified process as a "divorce by agreement.". However, if you file for a legal separation but your spouse counter-files for a divorce, it’s likely that the divorce will be granted. 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). However, if you plan to file for divorce without the help of an attorney, the judge will expect you to file the right forms in the correct location. Serve your spouse with the divorce … Divorces don’t happen overnight. You’ll experience significant delays of paperwork being rejected if everything isn’t in order. The clock begins when the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage is filed and served to the non-filing spouse. Irretrievable breakdown of the marriage is the only grounds to end a marriage. Ensure all paperwork is filled out in full and filed in the correct departments to avoid delays. The Uncontested Divorce Process in Washington State. However, if you have issues reaching agreement on the settlement, a hearing will need to be arranged to come to a legal agreement in front of a judge. 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). (Wash. Rev. § 26.09.030.). 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. At Bliss Law Group, we will provide you with the legal guidance you need … 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. The Washington State Courts offer online forms for completing an uncontested divorce or in hard copy at your local courthouse. 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