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The Spokane divorce process is unfamiliar to most people, and this uncertainty can cause additional stress when contemplating ending your marriage. At Twyford Law Office, our experienced divorce attorneys are here to guide you through each step of the divorce process, help you prepare, and ensure you are protected throughout.
Whether you have a business, complex property, or a family to consider, the process is smoother when you know what to expect.
The first step in the divorce process is filing a petition for dissolution of marriage with the court. This document officially starts your case. In Washington, you do not have to prove fault or wrongdoing; it is sufficient to state that the marriage is irretrievably broken.
However, there is a residency requirement. Either you or your spouse must be living in Washington at the time of filing, although there is no required minimum residency period in the state.
Next, you must provide your spouse with legal notice by serving the petition and summons on them. Proper service is required for your divorce to proceed. Searching for a ‘divorce lawyer near me’ can be helpful when looking to navigate the divorce process in Spokane. Twyford Law Office understands the ins and outs of the divorce process and is here to take care of preparing documents and ensuring everything is filed and served correctly.
State law requires a 90-day waiting period between the date of filing and finalizing a divorce. During that time, either party may ask the court for temporary orders. These can include temporary parenting plans, spousal support, or use of property while the case is pending.
Temporary orders are especially important in high-asset cases or when one spouse is financially dependent. If you are concerned about maintaining your financial stability or protecting business interests after divorcing in Spokane, we will work to secure orders that meet your needs during the process.
During the waiting period, both sides work to resolve the key issues in the divorce. These typically include the division of property and debts, spousal support, and parenting plans or child support (if you have children).
Washington is a community property state, which means that most assets acquired during the marriage are divided between you and your spouse. Fairness is the guiding principle. With high-net-worth divorces, there can be complex property to consider, such as businesses, investments, stock options, or multiple real estate holdings.
At Twyford Law Office, we take a holistic approach to these cases. We work with financial planners, accountants, and other experts to help you understand the value of your assets and know how to protect your financial future. If your spouse is also a business owner or doctor, or if you are a stay-at-home parent, we will develop a strategy that supports your goals both during and after the divorce.
If you and your spouse are able to agree on the terms of the divorce, we will prepare a settlement agreement for the court. This helps you avoid a trial and allows you to proceed through all the steps of the process in your Spokane divorce more quickly.
The outcome of the divorce depends on whether you and your spouse are amicable. If all issues are resolved and at least 90 days have passed, the court can finalize your divorce by entering a decree of dissolution of marriage. If no agreement is reached, your case may proceed to trial, where a judge will make the final decisions.
Our goal is always to help you resolve your divorce as efficiently and amicably as possible—but we are fully prepared to fight for you if needed. At Twyford Law Office, we know how to guide our Spokane clients through the process of even the most challenging divorce cases.
If you are thinking about filing for divorce in Spokane, understanding the process will help you make informed decisions from the start. At Twyford Law Office, we will walk you through every step and protect what matters most to you.
Take the first step toward your future by scheduling a consultation today.
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