In Washington, divorce cases require both parties to adhere to the law. Couples who want to achieve an uncontested divorce must agree to the terms of the divorce agreement. All property divisions should meet the requirements outlined in divorce laws, and both parties must sign the documents without issue. A Divorce Lawyer in Puyallup WA explains the requirements for filing and what to expect.
Community Property Laws
According to the current laws, all marital assets are divided equally unless the couple enters into an agreement. Marital assets include any money either party has on-hand, real property, automobiles, life insurance, and any other asset that has a monetary value. It is recommended that couples should create a list of all assets accumulated during the marriage and decide who gets each asset. If they can’t, then the court makes the decision for them.
Petitioners Cannot Use Fault-Based Grounds
A common misconception is that if a petitioner can prove that their spouse was unfaithful, then the evidence controls the outcome of the case. This isn’t correct, and the state prevents anyone from using divorce grounds other than irreconcilable differences. Essentially, the no-fault laws prevent anyone from assigning blame in a divorce case.
However, in emergent circumstances, a spouse can use a domestic violence conviction to petition the court for child custody if the child was the victim. The family court also provides protection orders to keep children and family members safe.
How Long Do Divorces Take?
The standard waiting period for the divorce is three months after the petition is filed. Even if the parties agree to the terms of the divorce, they still have to wait the full waiting period. After the 90-day period, the judge signs the final decree, and it is mailed to both parties.
In Washington, divorce cases are complex and laws apply to each detail found in the divorce agreement. Attorneys help couples create a divorce agreement that determines what party gets each asset and how child custody is managed. Retirement plans, life insurance, and income tax requirements are addressed in the agreement, too. Petitioners who want to learn more about the cases contact a Divorce Lawyer in Puyallup WA right now.
