Q: What is an uncontested divorce?
A: An uncontested divorce is a type of divorce in which both parties agree to all the terms of the divorce, such as the division of property, child custody, and support.
Q: What is the process for an uncontested divorce in Washington State?
A: The process for an uncontested divorce in Washington State generally involves the following steps:
Filing the petition for dissolution of marriage with the court
Serving the petition on your spouse
Waiting for your spouse’s response
Drafting and signing a settlement agreement
Submitting the settlement agreement and other required paperwork to the court
Attending a final hearing (if required)
Obtaining the final decree of dissolution, which legally ends the marriage.
Q: Do I need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce in Washington State?
A: While it is possible to represent yourself in an uncontested divorce, it is recommended that you seek the advice of a lawyer. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected.
Q: How long does an uncontested divorce in Washington State take?
A: The length of an uncontested divorce in Washington State depends on several factors, including how quickly you and your spouse can agree on the terms of the divorce and how busy the court system is. Generally, the issues between the parties in uncontested divorces can be resolved in a matter of weeks. Once you and your soon to be ex decide how you want to settle the divorce a petition must be filed and served on them. In Washington State, there is a legal requirement for a 90-day waiting period before the final decree granting the divorce can be entered, once the petition is served and filed. While you may wish to expedite the process, it’s important to understand that this waiting period is mandated by law.
Q: What are the benefits of an uncontested divorce in Washington State?
A: There are several benefits to an uncontested divorce in Washington State, including lower costs, less stress and conflict, and a quicker resolution to the divorce process.
Q: Do I or my spouse need to appear in court?
A: No, neither you nor your spouse will need to appear in court if you both sign the required documents in agreement. In fact, if you do this, your case can be filed in Lincoln County, Washington. This is a great option because Lincoln County does not require either party to go to court, saving you both time and money. Filing in Eastern Washington, in Lincoln County, saves you time because you do not have to attend any court hearings or classes. It also saves you money because you do not have to pay for the extra attorney time to appear for a court hearing. Don’t worry if you don’t live in Lincoln County because there is Statewide jurisdiction so you can file there even if you don’t live there.
Q: Do I need to come to your office for our meetings?
A: No, you do not need to come to our office for meetings. While you are certainly welcome to visit our office in Bellevue, many of our clients prefer to communicate with us remotely. We can hold meetings via phone or video conference to ensure we can communicate face to face without having to physically meet. In fact, many clients throughout Washington have utilized our services without ever coming to our office.
Q: How will we communicate if I don’t come to your office?
A: We can easily communicate through a combination of phone, fax, and email. Our goal is to make the uncontested divorce process as easy and stress-free as possible for you. That’s why we’re flexible in how we communicate with our clients. If you have any concerns or questions about the process, we are always here to help and provide guidance.