What to do when served divorce papers in Washington

by Envision Family Law | Jun 27, 2023 | Washington, Washington Divorce

It’s a beautiful day in Washington. You pour yourself a cup of coffee and are ready to head out to the patio when someone knocks on the front door. You open it and soon learn that the person is serving you divorce papers. Perhaps you’ve been expecting this, or maybe it has caught you totally off-guard. Either way, you now have some decisions to make and tasks to fulfill.

In Washington, anyone of sound mind who is age 18 or over can serve divorce papers. Once someone has served you, you must decide whether to respond. If you live in Washington, the court must receive your response within 20 days. If you reside outside the state and someone served you papers in person, the time limit for a response is 60 days. There is an extension on the time limit if you received papers by mail. If you do not respond, your spouse may submit a motion to the judge to default.

Will you be filing a counter claim in your Washington divorce?

In addition to responding after someone has served you divorce papers in Washington, you must decide whether you will file a counter claim. Spouses often do this when they disagree with the reasons their partners have cited for a divorce. Whether or not you file a counter claim may have an impact on what you have a right to in your divorce.

Seek guidance and support before proceedings begin

Especially if you’re a parent, you’ll want to build a strong support network as soon as the court has served you with divorce papers. You can schedule a meeting with a financial adviser. You might also want to join a support group for families in your area, which can help you and your children come to terms with the changes divorce will bring to your daily life. If you have questions or concerns about property division, child custody or other legal issues, it’s best to seek clarification of state laws.

It may also be helpful to speak to trusted family members and friends who are willing to provide practical assistance and emotional support as you navigate the family court system. Divorce is never easy, but it doesn’t have to ruin your life, especially when there are resources available to help you through every step of the process.