Washington State Divorce Laws
What to Expect When Help Yourself Divorce Prepares Your Washington State Divorce

 

Grounds for Divorce.
Washington is a "no fault" divorce state. The only ground for divorce under Washington state laws is that the marriage is irretrievably broken.

 

Residency Requirements.
To file for divorce in Washington state, at least one spouse must be a resident of the state. However, there are no specific periods of residency required.

 

Filing for Divorce.
Lincoln county allows you to file your divorce by mail as long as one spouse is a resident of Washington state, even if neither spouse resides in Lincoln county. You just mail your divorce papers to the Lincoln county clerk of the courts, and the Decree is signed and mailed back to you. If you'd like to file your divorce by mail, just indicate Lincoln County on the questionnaire when asked what county you'll be filing in.

If you'd prefer to attend a hearing, you can file in the Washington county where either spouse lives.

 

Service.
In Washington, you are not required to serve your spouse with the divorce papers because both spouses will file a joint petition.

 

Waiting Period/Finalizing Divorce.
There is a 90 day waiting period after filing the papers with the court before your divorce can be finalized. If you file by mail (see above), your signed decree will be mailed back to you at the end of the 90 day waiting period. If you file in your own county, your divorce will be finalized during a hearing at the end of the 90 day waiting period, although it may take longer, depending on the court's schedule. Only one spouse is required to attend, although both can attend if desired.

 

 

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IMPORTANT: Help Yourself Divorce is a paralegal service, not a law firm. Seek help from an attorney if you need legal advice.