Divorce for Women in Federal Way and King County: What You Need to Know

For women in Federal Way, the end of a marriage is more than a legal matter—it’s a deeply personal and often life-altering turning point. Divorce can impact your financial future, your role as a parent, your housing, and your long-term emotional and physical well-being. Whether you're stepping away from a long-term relationship, rebuilding after years spent as a caregiver, or seeking protection from an abusive partner, knowing your rights under Washington law is the first step in reclaiming your stability.

Although Washington law is intended to apply equally to both spouses, the reality is that many protections are especially crucial for women—particularly those who’ve spent years supporting a family through unpaid labor or career sacrifice. Understanding how these legal safeguards work can empower you to make decisions that protect your future and your family.

In Washington, assets and debts acquired during the marriage are generally treated as community property. However, that does not mean everything will be split straight down the middle. The court’s objective is fairness—not mathematical equality. Judges weigh multiple factors to determine what is just and equitable in each unique case.

Consider RCW 26.09.080:
“…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…”

These factors include how long you were married, your current financial situation, your role in maintaining the household, and whether one party would be left financially vulnerable without additional support. If you left your career to raise children or helped your spouse build a business or complete an education, those contributions are legally recognized and must be factored into the division of property.

Many women in Federal Way face divorce after years of placing their family’s needs above their own career goals. If you need time and support to become financially self-sufficient—whether through job training, education, or re-entry into the workforce—the court can order spousal maintenance (also known as alimony).

RCW 26.09.090(1) states:
“In a proceeding for dissolution of marriage… the court may grant a maintenance order for either spouse or either domestic partner…”

The court will examine your marital standard of living, how long the marriage lasted, your current income or earning potential, and the financial impact of divorce. Support may be short-term to help you transition, or longer-term depending on your needs and your former spouse’s ability to pay.

Child custody in Washington is addressed through a comprehensive parenting plan—not through outdated “custody and visitation” labels. These plans outline where the child will reside, how decisions will be made, and how each parent will remain involved in their child’s life. Courts do not automatically favor one parent over the other based on gender.

According to RCW 26.09.002:
“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.”

If you have been the primary caregiver, provided emotional support, or played a consistent parenting role, the court will carefully consider those facts. Judges also look at each parent’s ability to foster cooperation and create a stable, nurturing environment.

If your relationship involves domestic violence, threats, or manipulation, courts in King County can issue legal protection swiftly. A Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) can bar your spouse from contacting you or your children, entering your home, or interfering with your safety.

You do not have to wait for criminal charges to take legal action. A temporary order can often be issued the same day you file, and longer-term protection may be granted as part of your divorce case.

If you or your children are in immediate danger, the King County Protection Order Advocacy Program and other local services are available to help you access the protection you need and deserve.

1. How will child custody and parenting time be determined, and how can I protect my children's best interests?
In Federal Way, custody decisions are made through a detailed parenting plan that outlines where your children will live, who makes decisions, and how each parent will stay involved. Courts do not base these decisions on the gender of the parent. Instead, they prioritize consistency, emotional support, and the child’s overall development.

As stated in RCW 26.09.002:
“Parents have the responsibility to make decisions and perform other parental functions necessary for the care and growth of their minor children.”

If you have been your child's primary caregiver or provided day-to-day structure and stability, those facts will strongly support your case.

Explore more details: King County Family Court – Parenting Plans

2. Am I entitled to spousal support (alimony), and how will it be calculated in Federal Way?
If your marriage left you financially dependent or you need time to regain economic stability, you may qualify for spousal maintenance. This is especially common when a woman has taken time away from her career to raise children or support her spouse’s advancement.

Under RCW 26.09.090(1):
“…the court may grant a maintenance order… in such amounts and for such periods of time as the court deems just.”

The court will evaluate your income, work history, the length of the marriage, and your ability to become self-sufficient. Maintenance may be short-term or longer-term depending on your needs and your spouse’s ability to pay.

Explore more details: Washington Law Help – Spousal Maintenance

3. How will shared assets and debts be divided, and how can I protect my financial future?
Washington law treats most property and debts acquired during the marriage as community property, but courts are not required to divide everything down the middle. The division must be just and equitable, meaning fair under the circumstances, not necessarily equal.

According to RCW 26.09.080:
“…the court shall… make such disposition of the property and the liabilities… as shall appear just and equitable after considering all relevant factors…”

Your financial contributions, unpaid labor in the home, and long-term needs will be taken into account. If you supported your spouse’s career or gave up professional opportunities, the court is required to factor that in.

Explore more details: 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’re in an abusive or dangerous situation, courts in King County—including those serving Federal Way—can issue a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO). These orders can prevent your spouse from contacting you, entering your home, or interfering with your children’s safety.

Under RCW 7.105.100:
Courts may issue orders restraining contact with or coming within a specified distance of the petitioner or a minor child.

Protection orders can be requested immediately, and long-term options are available during divorce proceedings. Legal advocacy resources are also available to guide you through this process.

Explore more details: King County Protection Order Advocacy Program

5. How can I ensure fair child support payments, and how can I enforce a Federal Way child support order if necessary?
Washington calculates child support based on both parents’ income and the parenting schedule. If your ex-partner is not making payments, the Division of Child Support (DCS) can help enforce the order through wage garnishment, bank levies, or license suspension.

Support enforcement is designed to ensure your children’s needs are met, regardless of the other parent’s willingness to cooperate.

Explore more details: Washington State DCS – Child Support Services

At the Law Offices of Jason S. Newcombe, we represent women in Federal Way and throughout King County who are working to rebuild their lives through divorce. Whether you're seeking fair spousal support, primary parenting time, or protection from abuse, our attorneys are here to support you at every step.

We understand the unique challenges women face in divorce, especially those involving financial insecurity, safety concerns, or long-standing caregiving roles. Let us help you protect what matters most and start the next chapter with confidence.

Schedule your free consultation today to take the first step toward protecting your future, your finances, and your family.