Posted On November 1, 2021 Divorce
Divorce can be a long, arduous, painful process for some couples, but it doesn’t always have to be. There is a type of divorce called an uncontested divorce.
An uncontested divorce is a simplified process and much less expensive than a contested divorce because it does not require a court hearing. However, the spouses must be able to agree on all divorce-related issues. Relevant issues may include, but are not limited to:
The spouses may choose to decide these issues independently, or they may still decide to each hire a Spokane divorce lawyer to represent their unique interests.
Before filing, any divorcing couple must meet the state’s residency requirement (RCW 26.09.010, 26.09.030):
Washington does not require a spouse to have lived in the state for a specified amount of time, unlike many other states.
Generally, every jurisdiction in Washington will require you to prepare similar documents to initiate a divorce. A divorce petition, documents proving both parties are aware of the case and participating, and financial affidavits disclosing income, expenses, debts, and assets each spouse has, but here is the exhaustive list:
For divorcing couples with minor children, the court also requires:
These forms can be found online or at a local courthouse. Spouses with minor children must complete a divorce education course then provide the court with proof of attendance.
Before granting a divorce, the court imposes a 90-day cooling-off period to give couples a chance to reconcile. If that is not possible, this time provides the spouses an opportunity to work out final details in their agreement. As long as the divorce remains uncontested, you can submit a settlement agreement, custody arrangement, and proposed judgment. The judge will review your paperwork, and if approved, they will sign the Decree of Dissolution, and your divorce becomes final.
An uncontested divorce offers a private and low-cost option for divorcing spouses without much conflict. As long as a couple can remain cooperative, they are likely to keep more assets rather than having to pay extensive attorneys fees, accountants, process servers, etc. However, if there is an unhealthy power dynamic between the spouses or a history of domestic violence, an uncontested divorce can give one spouse an unfair advantage. The other spouse may feel forced to agree to terms and would benefit from having an attorney advocate for them in mediation or court.
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.
