Posted On May 26, 2020 Divorce
A divorce can be finalized as soon as 90 days following the filing of a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage in Washington State. However, there are many reasons why it may take longer. The process isn’t always straightforward and simple, as there are typically a number of issues that require resolution.
Even under the best set of circumstances, it will take at least 90 days to obtain a dissolution decree, to legally end a marriage. This is due to Washington State’s mandatory 90-day waiting period, also called a “cooling off period.” It is imposed on all divorces, and the clock begins once the petition is served. There is no way to reduce this minimum time limit.
An uncontested divorce means that a couple is in general agreement on both getting a divorce and the terms of it. Filing an uncontested divorce petition signals to the court that the couple has settled all of their major issues.
Whereas, a divorce that is contested will take longer and requires additional proceedings and much more paperwork to be filed before the divorce can be finalized. There will be a discovery phase, in which each spouse’s divorce attorney will have to gain information about the other party by exchanging documents and investigating the couples’ assets, finances, debts, and parenting behaviors. This information can later be used as evidence if the couple must attend hearings to have a family court judge settle particular issues or problems. The judge will then make the final decision on how the matter will be resolved.
In an uncontested divorce, there will not be a trial, since the parties have agreed upon the terms of their divorce. Therefore, discovery will either be skipped or only a few documents will be exchanged.
Some of the major issues involved in legally ending a marriage, that can delay the process, are:
These are but a few of the issues that need to be decided before the court can grant a divorce.
Once a divorce is approved and signed by a judge, final court orders will be issued. Final orders will only be entered after one of the following scenarios has occurred:
Once the final court order is filed with the court clerk, the divorce will be considered finalized. The document will outline the details of the divorce, including the settlement agreement and the specifics of support and child custody.
If you are in need of legal assistance with your divorce or family law matter in Spokane, contact Twyford Law Office. We will set up a free consultation with an experienced divorce attorney.
To learn more and get the help you deserve, call our divorce lawyers or reach out to Twyford Law Office online by visiting our contact us page.
We serve in King County and Spokane County in Washington and its surrounding areas. You can also visit our offices. We are conveniently located in Seattle, Spokane & Bellevue:
Twyford Law Office – Seattle Office
814 Second Avenue, Suite 515,
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 590-7085
Twyford Law Office – Spokane Office
430 W Indiana Ave,
Spokane, WA 99205.
(509) 327 0777
Twyford Law Office – Bellevue Office
1408 140th Pl NE Suite 400,
Bellevue, WA 98007
(425) 517-3350
Our Seattle Office
814 Second Avenue 515,
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 590-7085
Our Spokane Office
430 W Indiana Ave,
Spokane, WA 99205
(509) 327 0777
Our Bellevue Office
1408 140th Place NE, Suite 400,
Bellevue, WA 98007
(425) 517 3350.
