How do I start a divorce process?

In Washington, starting the divorce process is fairly straightforward. First, you will need to fill out a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. This is a legal form that can be found online or at the court clerk’s office in your county. The form will ask for information about you and your spouse, including your names, dates of marriage, and the grounds for the divorce (such as irreconcilable differences). Once you have completed the Petition, you will need to file it with your county’s Superior Court. You will typically need to pay a filing fee at this time. Depending on the county, you may be able to file the Petition electronically or in person. Next, your spouse will need to be served with a copy of the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. Depending on the county, this can be done by a professional process server or by the sheriff’s office. Once your spouse has been served the Petition, they have a certain amount of time to respond. This varies by county, but is usually between 20 and 40 days. If your spouse does not respond by the deadline, the court may grant the divorce by default. Once your divorce is finalized, you will both be issued a divorce decree that states the court’s orders regarding child custody, property division, and alimony, if applicable. You will then be legally divorced.

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How do I start a divorce process?

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