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(509) 327-0777 If you are heading towards or considering a divorce, working closely with a King County divorce lawyer can help ensure you protect your family’s future. Our team at Twyford Law Office will evaluate your unique situation and provide the legal support you need to achieve your goals. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Hiring a divorce lawyer in King County will ensure that your divorce process goes as smoothly as possible. Being informed of how the process works and knowing your options can give you peace of mind. A divorce lawyer will help you with all aspects of your case. They have the resources and experience to guide you through the court system and see that all your documents are filed correctly, free of errors, and without ambiguous or unclear language. A King County family law attorney experienced in handling divorce cases can help prevent delays, complications, and costly legal missteps. All of which will significantly reduce your stress and protect you from potential pitfalls of the divorce process.
Each state has unique residency requirements when filing for divorce. Under RCW 26.09.010, 26.09.030, Washington State’s are as follows:
Unlike many other states, Washington does not require you to have lived here for a specific length of time before filing. As long as you or your spouse has established residency, you can file for divorce.
Washington is a “no-fault” state which means a spouse must only state that their marriage is “irretrievably broken” to file for divorce. However, it is important to note that when it comes to property division or spousal support, the state can consider fault-based arguments. If you have questions about the divorce process in Washington, speak with a knowledgeable King County divorce attorney. The divorce process (including high asset divorce) typically proceeds as follows.
To initiate divorce proceedings, one spouse (the Petitioner) must file a petition for divorce with the court.
The Petitioner must prove to the court that their spouse (the Respondent) has received a copy of the petition. Most often, that is done by using a professional process server.
The Respondent has a limited amount of time to file a response and contest the terms of the divorce. If the respondent agrees with the terms, they can sign the “joinder” on the petition for dissolution, and then after 90 days, the divorce can be finalized.
A request for temporary orders can be submitted to the court to temporarily address issues before a formal divorce settlement is agreed upon, such as child custody, visitation schedules, spousal maintenance, child support, etc.
When children are involved, the parties must attend a parenting seminar that provides information on how divorce impacts children.
Each party will exchange information and disclose facts and documents related to the case.
If both parties can resolve their disputed issues in mediation, a written settlement document can be presented to the Ex Parte Department commissioner for their approval.
If the parties cannot agree on the terms of their divorce, a judge will decide on the issues at trial before granting a Decree of Dissolution of Marriage.
The King County divorce attorneys at Twyford Law Office are ready to help you navigate your divorce to a successful resolution. For a free consultation to discuss your situation and legal options, call (509) 327-0777 or contact us online today.
