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Working with an experienced divorce attorney at Twyford Law Office can ensure that you have met key legal requirements and are prepared for the next steps in your divorce and as you decide what comes next in your life.
Navigating the divorce process can be complicated. While Washington is a no-fault divorce state, which means that you will not have to show that your spouse was at fault for the divorce, Bellevue divorce requirements can still slow down the process and make it difficult to figure out what comes next.
A Petition for Dissolution of Marriage is the first step in the divorce process. It indicates the spouses’ intent to dissolve the marriage and will lay out critical information about the divorce. It includes all information about the couple and their children, as well as the petitioner’s requests for critical elements of the divorce—including property division, child support, and spousal maintenance.
In Washington, 90 days must pass between filing a petition for divorce and the judge granting it. In addition, the court requires 90 days after notifying the spouse of the petition for divorce if the spouse was not notified on the same day.
As part of the requirements to divorce in Bellevue, if there are minor children, the parents will need to come up with a comprehensive parenting plan that lays out the details of how they will handle parenting separately. That includes not only which parent, if either, will have primary custody of the children but also related information like who will handle:
Clearly laying out the parenting plan can make it easier to proceed after the divorce.
As part of the Bellevue requirements to divorce, the spouses must divide all marital assets and debts. Washington is a community property state, and unless there is a reason for another solution, the courts will generally aim for a fair, equitable distribution of property following the divorce. That includes real property like real estate and vehicles as well as assets like:
In addition, the spouses will need to equitably divide any shared debts. While the court strives to achieve a fair dissolution of assets, this is often not a perfect 50/50 split. For example, if each spouse keeps their vehicle, it may not matter if one is worth a little more than the other.
Washington does not automatically award spousal support or alimony. However, in cases where one spouse was much higher-earning, and the other had reason to assume that they would continue to maintain their current standard of living, that spouse may be awarded alimony for a period of time. Alimony or spousal support should be established as part of the divorce process if needed.
Going through a divorce can be a challenging time. With so many different elements to consider, it can become complicated fast. At Twyford Law Office, we understand the Bellevue divorce requirements and the challenges you have ahead.
Reach out today to discuss your options and to learn more about how to move forward with a divorce.
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