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

For women in Kent and across King County, divorce often marks a deeply personal crossroads—one that can reshape nearly every aspect of your life. Whether you’re leaving a long-term marriage, preparing to reenter the workforce after years as a caregiver, or prioritizing your safety and your children's well-being, it’s essential to understand how Washington law protects your rights throughout the divorce process.

While Washington law treats both spouses equally on paper, many built-in legal safeguards exist to help address the financial and personal realities that disproportionately affect women, especially those who have spent years raising children, managing the household, or supporting a spouse’s career. Understanding how these protections work is the first step toward safeguarding your future.

Under Washington’s community property laws, most assets and debts acquired during the marriage are presumed to be jointly owned. But an equal split isn’t required. The law instructs courts to divide marital property in a manner that is fair, considering each spouse’s circumstances and contributions.

As stated in 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 the duration of the marriage, your current financial position, your role in managing household responsibilities, and any career sacrifices you made for the benefit of the family. If you supported your spouse’s education, paused your own career, or were primarily responsible for childcare, the court is required to weigh those contributions when dividing assets and debts.

In Kent, many women face divorce after years of prioritizing family over financial independence. If you need time to complete your education, reestablish your career, or regain financial stability, the court may order spousal maintenance to help ease the transition.

According to RCW 26.09.090(1):

“In a proceeding for dissolution of marriage… the court may grant a maintenance order for either spouse or either domestic partner…”

The court will evaluate your current income, your ability to support yourself, the standard of living established during the marriage, and the time and resources needed to become self-sufficient. Depending on your situation, support may be temporary, long-term, or rehabilitative in nature.

Washington no longer uses the terms “custody” and “visitation.” Instead, courts approve a detailed parenting plan that determines residential time, decision-making authority, and how each parent will be involved in the child’s life. Gender is not a factor. The court’s focus is entirely on the child’s long-term emotional and physical well-being.

As set forth in 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, managed your child’s daily schedule, or served as their main source of emotional support, these facts will be central to the court’s decision. Judges also consider each parent’s ability to promote a stable, cooperative, and supportive environment.

If your divorce involves abuse, coercion, or threats, courts in King County—including those serving Kent—can act quickly to protect you and your children. A Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) can immediately prohibit your spouse from contacting you or accessing your home, workplace, or your child’s school or daycare.

You do not need to wait for a criminal investigation or conviction to take legal action. Courts can issue temporary protection orders the same day they are requested, and longer-term orders may be entered as your case proceeds.

If you or your children are in immediate danger, the King County Protection Order Advocacy Program and other local resources are available to help you take the next steps.

1. How will child custody and parenting time be determined, and how can I ensure my children's best interests are protected?
In Kent, custody is determined through a parenting plan that outlines residential schedules, decision-making responsibilities, and how both parents will support their child’s needs. Washington courts do not assume one parent is better based on gender. Instead, they assess which arrangement will provide the most stability and promote the child’s overall well-being.

According to 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’ve been the primary caregiver or have maintained a consistent parenting role, this history will be central to the court’s decision-making process.

Informative link: King County Family Court – Parenting Plans

2. Am I entitled to spousal support (alimony), and how will it be calculated?
Spousal support—called maintenance in Washington—is often awarded when one spouse needs time and resources to regain financial independence. If you’ve left the workforce to raise children or helped support your spouse’s career growth, the court can order payments to ensure a fair financial transition.

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.”

Factors include the length of the marriage, your current income and employment potential, and your spouse’s ability to pay. Support may be short-term, long-term, or rehabilitative depending on your unique situation.

Informative link: Washington Law Help – Spousal Maintenance

3. How will our assets and debts be divided, and how can I protect my financial future?
Washington law treats all assets and debts acquired during the marriage as community property. But division is based on fairness, not a strict 50/50 split. The court will consider your financial needs, the nature of your contributions to the marriage, and how the division will impact your future.

As stated in 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 unpaid labor as a caregiver or homemaker is a valid and valuable contribution that courts are required to recognize.

Informative link: 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 are experiencing abuse or harassment, you can request a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) through King County Superior Court. These orders can prevent your spouse from contacting you, entering your home, or coming near your children. Emergency orders may be issued quickly, and longer-term protections are available as part of your divorce.

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.

You have the right to safety and peace of mind—there are legal systems and advocacy resources in place to help you get there.

Informative link: King County Protection Order Advocacy Program

5. How can I ensure fair child support payments, and how can I enforce a child support order if necessary?
Washington uses a uniform formula to determine child support, based on both parents’ incomes and the parenting schedule. If the other parent does not follow the court order, you can take enforcement action through the Division of Child Support (DCS). This agency can collect support through wage garnishments, license suspensions, or tax refund interceptions.

Informative link: Washington State DCS – Child Support Services

At the Law Offices of Jason S. Newcombe, we represent women in Kent and across King County who are navigating the complex legal and emotional challenges of divorce. Whether you are pursuing custody, seeking financial support, or protecting yourself and your children from abuse, our legal team is here to help you move forward with clarity and strength.

We bring decades of Washington family law experience and a deep understanding of the issues women face during and after divorce. Let us stand by your side and help you protect what matters most.

Schedule your free consultation today and take your next step toward securing your rights, your future, and your family.