For women in Tacoma, divorce is more than the legal end of a marriage—it’s a significant life shift that can impact your finances, housing, parental responsibilities, and personal safety. Whether you're leaving a long-term relationship, preparing to rejoin the workforce after years of caregiving, or seeking legal protection from domestic violence, understanding your rights under Washington law is a critical first step.
While Washington’s divorce laws are gender-neutral in language, many of the protections they offer are particularly important for women, especially those who have supported their families by managing the household, raising children, or deferring career opportunities. These safeguards are designed to promote fairness and long-term security.
This guide outlines how divorce law is applied in Washington and what women in Pierce County can expect from the family court system in matters such as property division, spousal maintenance, parenting plans, and domestic violence protection.
Property and Asset Division Must Be Equitable, Not Necessarily EqualWashington is a community property state, meaning most property and debt acquired during the marriage is jointly owned by both spouses. However, that does not mean everything will be split down the middle. The court is required to divide assets in a way that is fair based on the circumstances of the marriage.
“…the court shall, without regard to misconduct, make such disposition of the property and the liabilities, either community or separate, as shall appear just and equitable after considering all relevant factors…”
RCW 26.09.080
When dividing property, the court considers the duration of the marriage, the economic conditions of each spouse, and whether one party stepped back from career advancement to support the home or raise children. These contributions are legally recognized and weighed when determining a fair distribution of property.
Spousal Support in Pierce County Is Based on Need and Financial CircumstancesMany women in Tacoma face divorce after years spent managing the household, parenting, or supporting a spouse’s career. If you need time or assistance to regain financial independence, the court has the discretion to award spousal maintenance.
“In a proceeding for dissolution of marriage… the court may grant a maintenance order for either spouse or either domestic partner…”
RCW 26.09.090
The court evaluates the length of the marriage, your financial situation, your standard of living during the relationship, and how long it may take for you to become self-sufficient. Maintenance may be short-term, long-term, or rehabilitative depending on your unique circumstances and your spouse’s ability to contribute.
Parenting Plans in Tacoma Are Determined by the Child’s Best InterestsIn Washington, child custody is addressed through a formal parenting plan that outlines where the child will live, how decisions will be made, and how parenting time is shared. Courts in Pierce County do not favor one parent over the other based on gender. The focus is on the child’s emotional, physical, and developmental needs.
“The best interests of the child are served by a parenting arrangement that best maintains a child’s emotional growth, health and stability, and physical care.”
RCW 26.09.002
If you’ve been the child’s primary caregiver, the court will carefully consider your past involvement, parenting history, and ability to maintain a nurturing and cooperative environment.
Legal Protections Are Available for Women in Tacoma Facing Domestic ViolenceIf your divorce involves abuse, threats, or intimidation, you can request a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) through the Pierce County Superior Court. These orders may prevent your spouse from contacting or approaching you, your children, your home, or your workplace.
Emergency protection orders can often be issued the same day, with longer-term orders available during or after the divorce process. You do not need to press criminal charges to request this type of civil relief.
Support is available through the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center and other advocacy organizations in Pierce County that offer immediate safety planning and legal assistance to survivors of domestic violence.
Frequently Asked Questions: Divorce for Women in Tacoma and Pierce County1. How will child custody and parenting time be determined, and how can I ensure my children’s best interests are protected in Tacoma?
In Tacoma, parenting plans are used instead of traditional custody arrangements. These court-approved plans outline each parent’s responsibilities and ensure that the child’s emotional, physical, and developmental needs remain the court’s top priority. If you have been your child’s primary caregiver, that consistent role will be a critical factor.
“Parents have the responsibility to make decisions and perform other parental functions necessary for the care and growth of their minor children.”
RCW 26.09.002
Resource for review: Pierce County Superior Court – Family Law
2. Am I entitled to spousal support (alimony), and how is it calculated in Washington State?
Spousal maintenance may be awarded if one party needs financial support after divorce. If you gave up educational or career opportunities to raise children or support your spouse’s advancement, the court may grant financial assistance to help you become self-sufficient.
“…the court may grant a maintenance order… in such amounts and for such periods of time as the court deems just.”
RCW 26.09.090
The court considers your age, health, education, work history, financial need, and the lifestyle maintained during the marriage.
Resource for review: Washington Law Help – Spousal Maintenance
3. How will our assets and debts be divided, and how can I protect my financial future in Pierce County?
Washington is a community property state, which generally treats all property and debt acquired during the marriage as shared. However, division is based on fairness, not necessarily an even split.
“…the court shall… make such disposition of the property and the liabilities… as shall appear just and equitable after considering all relevant factors…”
RCW 26.09.080
The court will weigh your income, household contributions, future earning capacity, and the impact of divorce on your financial stability.
Resource for review: Washington Law Help – Property and Debt Division
4. What are my rights if I’ve experienced domestic violence or abuse, and how can I ensure my safety and my children’s safety?
If you’ve been harmed or threatened, you can petition for a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) through Pierce County Superior Court. A DVPO can bar your spouse from contacting you or your children, entering your home, or interfering with your safety.
You do not need to file criminal charges to request a protection order. Temporary orders may be granted immediately to prevent further harm.
Resource for review: Crystal Judson Family Justice Center
5. How can I ensure fair child support payments, and how can I enforce a child support order if necessary?
Washington uses a statewide child support schedule based on both parents’ incomes and parenting time. If payments are missed, the Division of Child Support (DCS) can help enforce the order using wage garnishment, license suspension, and other tools.
Resource for review: Washington State DCS – Child Support Services
Talk to a Tacoma Divorce Attorney Who Supports Women’s RightsAt the Law Offices of Jason S. Newcombe, we provide compassionate and effective legal support to women throughout Tacoma and Pierce County. Whether you’re navigating issues related to parenting, financial security, or personal safety, we’re here to help you protect your rights and secure your future.
Divorce is hard, but you don’t have to face it alone. We are committed to guiding you through this process with confidence, clarity, and care.
Schedule your free consultation today and take the first step toward rebuilding your life.