I just moved to Washington— can I divorce here?

I just moved to Washington— can I divorce here?

Whether you’ve moved for work, family, or simply a change of scenery, transitioning to a new state comes with a host of considerations—especially if you’re contemplating a divorce. While you can get a divorce in Washington State as a new resident, there are several steps you must take to establish residency.

How to establish residency in Washington?

Washington is unique in that it does not specify a minimum duration of residency before you can file for divorce. Instead, you must provide evidence that you intend to make Washington your home. This can be demonstrated through actions like obtaining a Washington driver’s license, registering to vote, or purchasing property.

If you can establish residency, then you must choose how to proceed with the rest of your divorce under Washington law.

A quick overview of how divorce works in Washington

Every state has unique legal procedures when it comes to divorce. A key difference for Washington divorces is that the state is a community property state. This means that, by state law, all assets and debts belong to both spouses. Therefore, during a divorce, the division is typically 50/50 unless there’s a strong reason to go against the standard.

Additionally, Washington maintains several waiting periods for your divorce, so the process can take a minimum of several months. If things move smoothly, perhaps you will only wait for the minimum amount of time. However, planning on a “smooth divorce” is generally unwise, as ending a relationship is always full of potential conflict.

Going it alone can be a problem

There’s a lot of temptation to try to pursue a divorce on your own. The state does offer many self-help options, but the truth is, much like getting around your new home, it’ll make a big difference to have an experienced guide.