How do I properly serve divorce papers?

In Washington, proper service of divorce papers is an important part of the divorce process. To start, you must complete and file a Summons and Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the court clerk. Once the clerk has accepted your paperwork, you must then serve the documents on your spouse. You must either deliver them in person or have them sent by certified mail, with a return receipt requested. If you are serving the documents in person, you must have someone over the age of 18 who is not a party to the divorce to deliver them to your spouse. This person must provide your spouse with a copy of the documents and make sure that your spouse signs and dates a document known as an Acknowledgement of Service which must then be returned to the court clerk. If you are sending the documents by certified mail, you must give the court clerk proof that your spouse received the papers. You must include a filled in and signed certified mail receipt when you file your papers. It is important that all steps are taken to properly serve divorce papers in Washington. If the papers are not served properly, the court may not accept your filing. This could delay the process, so it is important to be sure that all paperwork is completed and properly served.

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How do I properly serve divorce papers?

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