Divorce in Washington.

Every state has slightly different rules as it pertains to the divorce process.  It would be prudent to understand what qualifies as grounds for divorce in the Evergreen State.  The only legal way to commence a divorce in our state is to file a petition declaring that the marriage is irretrievably broken and requesting that it be dissolved.  You can also request other relief in your Petition.  You must then have a Summons and your Petition served on your spouse by a process server or by an adult other than yourself. Alternatively, your spouse can accept service and can also join in the Petition.  The court will then consider your requests.

In most cases, Washington state divorce courts will “rubber stamp” your declaration that the marriage is irretrievably broken, but not in all cases.  Washington law provides for what is known as “conciliation”, which is sort of like mandatory marriage counseling designed to explore whether the marriage can be saved. If conciliation fails, the marriage dissolution proceeding continues.

Not that a divorce has to be difficult in this state, but it does require proper legal representation.  This is, after all, not the state of Nevada!  One of the Seattle area’s most accomplished divorce attorneys is Lyle Clark.  He has devoted the majority of his 37 years of legal practice to sorting out the ever-changing divorce laws of Washington State.  Give him a call at (425) 452-3092.