Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

My husband and I are filing for divorce. We own NOTHING together, and all of our debt is separate. This is a non-contested, mutually agreed upon divorce. My question is this: what forms do I file and in what order? I live in Washington State and just want to get this filed and taken care of without any mistakes on the paperwork. This is a pretty "easy" divorce - nothing contested and no restraining or protection orders.

I have a daughter from a previous marriage. There is zero interest in involving my daughter on the paperwork. I just thought I would throw in there that I do have a child, but am not seeking any assistance or parenting plan for her.

I am just confused on what paperwork to turn in. I downloaded EVERYTHING and am confused.

Thank you!


Asked on 3/19/14, 3:12 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Jonathan Baner Baner & Baner

There are several excellent websites such as www.washingtonlawhelp.org. Even some attorneys will use it for themselves or for training paralegals.

Aside from plugging another website, please do understand that you own EVERYTHING together (sort of). Everything you two got (assets/liabilities) while married is presumed community property, but you two can generally divide it how you please. Same with the debt. Furthermore, all assets of parties will be before the court (separate and community) in a dissolution.

Your daughter is not really subject to the dissolution it doesn't sound like, but there may be a mandatory form question to list her.

Also do not forget to notify the state after the whole thing is finalized (vital statistics form... I think it goes to Department of Health). If you two have funds there are some lawyers that do uncontested dissolutions for very reasonable rates. Depending on where you live there may be a pro se type clinic available as well.

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Answered on 3/19/14, 5:06 pm


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