There are Several Types of Divorce in Washington

There are Several Types of Divorce in Washington

There are Several Types of Divorce in Washington

Whether you’ve been married for several decades or haven’t yet reached your 10th anniversary, you and your spouse have likely encountered challenges in your relationship at some point. Perhaps you thought that the opposite traits in your partner’s personality were attractive at first, but those same characteristics sparked disagreements after you got married. Maybe you’ve determined that you no longer wish to be in a relationship and are planning on filing for divorce.

Deciding that you want a divorce and knowing exactly what steps to take to make it happen are two different things. Washington is a community property state, which means that property division is governed differently here than in most other states. Understanding the basic types of divorce and specific guidelines for this state can help you achieve a swift and fair settlement.

Perhaps you want a limited divorce

Another term for a limited divorce is “legal separation.” In this case, you and your spouse would be legally separated. The court would oversee the separation; however, it is not the same as finalizing a divorce. This is often a legal status that people choose if something prevents them from being able to file for divorce, such as religious tenets.

A no-fault divorce may be the least expensive

Maybe your goal is to finalize a divorce in a peaceful manner so that you and your spouse can part ways on amicable terms and move on in life without a legal battle. In Washington, you are able to petition the court for a no-fault divorce, meaning you would cite “irreconcilable differences” as the reason you’re making the request.

In cases like this, spouses are often able to negotiate the terms of their own settlement, with little intervention necessary from the court, except to approve their proposed plan.

A contested divorce might take more time

Perhaps your relationship with your spouse is contentious and you’re unable to resolve important issues on your own, such as property division, child custody or child support. Any number of issues can prompt a need for litigation, especially if your case includes extenuating circumstances, such as that the court should grant you sole custody of your kids because your ex is an unfit parent.

In this case, you’ll have the task of providing evidence to the court to substantiate the allegations you’ve made. The good news is that you need not handle issues like this on your own; in fact, reaching out for additional support may be the key to diffusing an acrimonious situation in order to achieve a fair solution to a particular divorce-related problem.