If you're considering divorce in Tacoma or anywhere in Pierce County, you're likely facing a wave of uncertainty. How will your property be divided? What happens to your kids? Do you need to leave your home? These questions are normal, and they signal that you're taking your future seriously.
Divorce is a major legal and emotional step. Understanding how the process works under Washington law, particularly within the Pierce County court system, can give you the clarity and control you need to move forward with confidence.
Starting the Divorce Process in TacomaWashington is a no-fault divorce state. That means you don’t need to prove that your spouse did something wrong to get divorced. The only requirement is that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.” Courts won’t weigh behavior like infidelity when dividing property or deciding parenting plans.
Here are a few key things to know before filing:
Learn more or start your filing here:
Pierce County Superior Court – Family Law Division
Creating a Parenting Plan That Works
In divorces involving children, a court-approved parenting plan is required. These plans outline where the children will live, how major decisions will be made, and how parenting time will be divided. Washington courts avoid using terms like “custody” or “visitation” and focus on what best supports the child’s well-being.
Unless the court identifies a risk to the child’s safety or stability, it generally supports maintaining strong relationships with both parents.
Helpful resource:
Washington Courts – Parenting Plan Instructions
Understanding Spousal Support in Pierce County
Spousal maintenance—also called alimony—is not guaranteed in every case. Judges consider several factors, including:
Support may be temporary, transitional, or long-term depending on your financial picture and your spouse’s ability to contribute.
Helpful resource:
Washington Law Help – Spousal Maintenance Overview
Dividing Property and Debts Equitably
Under Washington’s community property system, most property acquired during the marriage is presumed to be shared equally. However, that doesn’t mean the court will simply divide everything 50/50.
Instead, the court considers:
Helpful resource:
Washington Law Help – Who Gets What in a Divorce
If you're beginning to explore divorce or are already in the middle of the process, knowing your rights and responsibilities under Washington law—especially in Pierce County—can help you avoid costly mistakes and secure a better outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce in Tacoma and Pierce CountyWhat happens to my children during a divorce, and how is parenting time decided?
In Washington, child custody matters are addressed through a court-approved parenting plan. Pierce County family courts prioritize your child’s emotional well-being, physical safety, and long-term stability. Judges will evaluate each parent’s caregiving history, emotional connection with the child, and ability to foster a healthy relationship with the other parent.
“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.”
Read the statute: RCW 26.09.002 – Best Interests of the Child
Explore further: Pierce County Superior Court – Parenting Plans
How will our finances be divided, and will I be financially secure after the divorce?
Washington’s community property laws presume that all assets and debts acquired during the marriage are jointly owned. While property is not necessarily divided 50/50, it must be distributed in a manner that is fair and just based on financial circumstances, future needs, and contributions made by each spouse.
“…the court shall… make such disposition of the property and the liabilities… as shall appear just and equitable after considering all relevant factors…”
Read the statute: RCW 26.09.080 – Property and Debt Division Explore further: Washington Law Help – Dividing Property and Debt
How long does a divorce take in Tacoma, and what can I expect in costs?
Washington law requires a 90-day waiting period after the petition is filed and served. A simple, uncontested divorce may be finalized soon after, but more complex cases involving custody, assets, or support can take several months. Costs depend on whether the parties reach an agreement or require mediation or court involvement.
Explore further: Pierce County – Divorce Filing Information
What legal rights do I have during a divorce in Tacoma?
You have the right to pursue a fair property division, request spousal maintenance, and seek a parenting plan that reflects your child’s needs. If abuse or harassment is involved, you can request a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) through the Pierce County courts.
“In a proceeding for dissolution of marriage… the court may grant a maintenance order for either spouse...”
Read the statute: RCW 26.09.090 – Spousal Maintenance
Explore further: Washington Law Help – Legal Protections During Divorce
How will divorce affect my emotional well-being and relationships?
Divorce brings emotional challenges, often involving grief, uncertainty, and the stress of family changes. These effects can be especially difficult when children are involved. Local support groups, counseling, and parenting resources are available to help you stay strong throughout the transition.
Explore further: Washington State DSHS – Family Support Services
Support and Guidance Through Divorce in Tacoma
If you're facing divorce in Tacoma or anywhere in Pierce County, the road ahead may feel uncertain—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At the Law Offices of Jason S. Newcombe, we help individuals throughout Pierce County protect their rights and make sound, confident choices through every stage of the divorce process.
Whether you’re dealing with child custody, asset division, or spousal support, our Tacoma legal team is here to help you move forward with strength and clarity.
Our services in Tacoma include:Schedule your free consultation today and take the first step toward protecting your future, your family, and your peace of mind.
Tacoma Divorce Attorneys – Your Choice MattersIf you’re in the initial stages of a Tacoma divorce then you are undoubtedly feeling the heavy emotional weight that that can result from these life-altering events. Your Tacoma divorce will have a tremendous impact on your life, both now and for many years to come. If children are involved, the stress can be multiplied as you deal with how the divorce affects you and them at the same time.
Throughout the Tacoma divorce process, you will be faced with many important decisions. Having the information you need to make informed decisions is paramount toward rebuilding your life and reassuring your children that everything is going to be all right. Knowing and understanding the law is vital, and only a qualified Washington State divorce attorney can help you navigate these complex, and often confusing, waters.
If you’re looking for a qualified Tacoma divorce lawyer, we are ready to help. Still, we believe that your choice of divorce lawyer is one of the most important decisions you will ever have to make. Our Tacoma divorce attorneys seek to establish a solid working relationship with every client, so that we can work together to clearly define your goals and then set out to achieve them. At stake are your legal rights, so you need to be appraised of your rights throughout your divorce proceedings.
A good place to start is by talking to one of our Tacoma divorce attorneys about the details of your case. Our team of legal professionals has assisted numerous clients with cases involving Tacoma divorce, family law, and child custody. Trust between client and lawyer is a key element of any successful divorce proceeding. A client must trust their Tacoma divorce lawyer to do everything legally possible on their behalf, and the lawyer must believe in their client’s case and set of goals.
This makes sense when you consider that divorce proceedings are emotionally charged affairs where both parties can often be motivated by fear, resentment, and stress. When you combine these emotions with the very real issues of child support, visitation, custody, paternity, or legal separation, then it becomes obvious how vital trusting your divorce lawyer really is.
Our Tacoma divorce attorneys seek to build trust by providing clients with sound legal advice based on the goals that are initially defined. Still, Washington State divorce proceedings are often fluid, and sometimes it is necessary to switch gears in the middle of the process. If this happens, your Tacoma divorce lawyer might tell you something you don’t want to hear, and this is where trust can really make a difference.
Any divorce attorney in Tacoma knows when to negotiate, and when it’s better to utilize the courts. No matter what happens, any Washington State divorce attorney from our office will be on your side every step of the way, ensuring that the people and things most valuable to you are being protected.
We understand how emotionally draining a divorce can be. When you retain one of our Tacoma divorce attorneys you can be confident that someone who cares about you is working hard on your behalf. If trust is important to you, contact our office today and speak with a qualified Tacoma divorce lawyer about your case, your goals, and your future.
A Qualified Divorce Attorney in Tacoma Will Negotiate on Your BehalfWhile sometimes it is necessary to fight a case in court, when you hire a Washington State divorce attorney from our office they will first seek to negotiate the case. These skillful divorce negotiations require an open mind, calm disposition, and a willingness to put heated emotions aside for the sake of everyone involved.
When a head-to-head battle is unavoidable, an experienced divorce attorney in Tacoma will aggressively fight to protect you and your family in court. Still, in most divorce cases we recommend artful negotiation whenever it’s possible. This is especially true when children are involved, as heated emotions can often cause them a great deal of stress. Indeed, for everyone involved it is often better to curb emotions as much as possible, and in our experience it often leads to a more favorable end result.
Your Tacoma Divorce Lawyer Will Care for You PersonallyNo two divorce cases are ever alike, so every case demands personalized attention and a unique approach. The first job of our Tacoma divorce attorneys is to listen to the needs of our clients. We take pride in striving for the best outcome we possibly can for everyone who utilizes our professional services. We understand that no one knows the needs of your family better than you, and we use this information as we fight to achieve your goals.
Any qualified divorce attorney in Tacoma will tell you that there is never a clear path to success. However, we make a personal commitment to our divorce clients to stay focused on the priorities they hold dear. We believe that our willingness to take every case personally is what sets us apart, and that when you make a commitment to us we owe you the same.
Contact Us TodayA divorce is one of the most difficult and challenging experiences you are ever likely to face. The choice you make when hiring a Washington State divorce attorney is one of the most important you will make. Make sure you choose divorce representation that understands the stakes, and will do everything they can to fight for you and your family.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation, and find out if our divorce attorneys are the right ones for you. We will seek to help you define your goals, build a relationship based on trust, and then work as a team in an effort to achieve your goals.
Divorce Resources for Tacoma Washington Residents