Considering Divorce in Kent or King County? Start Here

If you're thinking about filing for divorce in Kent or anywhere in King County, you're likely facing a flood of questions. From how long the process takes to what happens with your home, children, or retirement accounts, the uncertainty can be overwhelming. But with a clear understanding of Washington’s divorce laws, you can begin to move forward with greater peace of mind.

Whether you're still weighing your options or have already been served divorce papers, learning the basics is the first step toward protecting your rights, your children, and your financial future.

Washington is a “no-fault” divorce state, meaning you don’t need to prove any wrongdoing by your spouse to file. The only legal requirement is that the marriage is considered "irretrievably broken." Behavior such as infidelity typically doesn’t impact issues like asset division, child custody, or spousal maintenance.

Key facts to remember:

• One of the spouses must reside in Washington to file.
• A minimum 90-day waiting period is required before finalizing a divorce.
• Most property and debts acquired during the marriage are considered community property.
• If there are children, a parenting plan and a child support order are required.

To begin the process, visit: King County Family Court – Filing for Divorce

If children are involved, one of the first issues the court will address is the parenting plan. Washington courts don’t use the term "custody"—instead, they focus on creating a plan that outlines living arrangements, decision-making responsibilities, and how both parents will stay involved.

Unless there's clear evidence of danger or neglect, King County courts usually support shared parenting responsibilities to preserve a child’s relationship with both parents.

Helpful resource: Washington State Courts – Parenting Plan Overview

Spousal Support (Maintenance) in Kent Spousal support isn’t guaranteed in a Washington divorce. The court evaluates several factors before awarding maintenance, including:

• Length of the marriage
• Financial dependency of one spouse
• Earning potential and current income
• Time and resources needed for the dependent spouse to become self-sufficient

Depending on your situation, the court may award temporary, rehabilitative, or—rarely—long-term support.

Helpful resource: Washington Law Help – Understanding Spousal Maintenance

How Property and Debts Are Divided Kent divorces are subject to Washington’s community property laws, which presume that anything acquired during the marriage is shared. This includes homes, retirement accounts, and debts like credit cards or loans.

However, the court does not automatically split property 50/50. Instead, it will consider:

• Whether the property is separate or community
• The financial situation of each spouse
• The length of the marriage
• Contributions such as raising children or supporting a spouse’s career

Helpful resource: Washington Law Help – Dividing Property and Debt

If you have questions about any of these topics, it’s a good idea to speak with an experienced divorce attorney in Kent who can help you better understand how the law applies to your situation.

1. What will happen to my children, and how will custody or visitation be decided?
   In Washington, custody decisions are made through a parenting plan that focuses on the best interests of the child. The court considers factors such as each parent’s caregiving history, emotional ties with the child, and ability to support the child’s 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
   Informative link: King County Superior Court – Parenting Plans
   
2. How will our finances be divided, and will I be financially stable after the divorce?
   Washington’s community property system presumes all assets and debts acquired during the marriage are jointly owned. The court will divide these fairly, not necessarily equally, based on income, debt, and future financial needs.
   
   "...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
   Informative link: Washington Law Help – Property and Debt in Divorce
3. How long will the divorce process take, and how much will it cost?
   There is a mandatory 90-day waiting period in Washington before a divorce can be finalized. An uncontested divorce may be completed shortly after, but contested cases involving children or complex finances often take longer. Costs vary depending on the need for mediation, court hearings, or litigation.
   
   Informative link: King County – Divorce Process Overview
   
4. What are my legal rights in Kent, and how can I protect myself?
   You have the right to seek a fair division of marital property, request spousal support, and ensure a safe and suitable parenting arrangement. If safety is a concern, protection orders are available through the court system.
   
   "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
   Informative link: Washington Law Help – Legal Separation and Divorce
5. How will this divorce affect my emotional well-being and relationships?
   Divorce impacts more than your finances—it can reshape personal relationships and emotional health. While the court doesn't decide emotional issues, your well-being matters, especially in parenting evaluations. Seeking support from counseling or community programs is highly recommended.
   Informative link: Washington State DSHS – Family and Parenting Resources

Going through a divorce in Kent doesn’t have to mean going through it alone. With experienced legal guidance, you can protect your family, finances, and future. At the Law Offices of Jason S. Newcombe, we are committed to helping individuals in Kent and King County move through divorce with clarity and strength.

Our divorce services include:

• Spousal Maintenance (Alimony)
• Parenting Plans and Custody
• Child Support
• Divorce for Men and Women
• Division of Property and Debt
• Protection Orders
• Prenuptial Agreements

Schedule your free consultation today and take the first step toward a secure and empowered future.