Thinking About Divorce in Bellevue or King County? Here’s What You Should Know

If you’re considering divorce in Bellevue or anywhere in King County, you probably have more questions than answers. Will you need to move out of your home? How are your assets divided? What happens with your kids? These concerns are completely normal—and fortunately, Washington law provides a structured process to help you find clarity and move forward.

Whether you're evaluating your options or responding to a divorce petition, understanding how the process works in King County is the first step toward protecting your rights, your finances, and your family.

Washington is a no-fault divorce state, which means you don’t need to prove misconduct or wrongdoing to end a marriage. The only legal requirement is that one spouse believes the marriage is “irretrievably broken.”

Here are a few key facts to know before filing:

• Either spouse must be a resident of Washington State.
• There is a 90-day mandatory waiting period after filing and serving the petition.
• Washington applies community property laws, meaning most property and debts acquired during the marriage are jointly owned.
• If you have children, the court requires both a parenting plan and a child support arrangement before finalizing the divorce.

Ready to take the first step? Visit:
King County Superior Court – Divorce and Legal Separation

Parenting Plans and Child-Focused Agreements
If you have minor children, one of the most important aspects of your divorce will be developing a legally binding parenting plan. Washington courts no longer use the terms “custody” or “visitation.” Instead, parenting plans outline residential schedules, parental responsibilities, and how both parents will participate in decision-making.

Unless there is evidence of abuse or serious risk, the court generally encourages continued relationships with both parents.

Helpful resource:
Washington Courts – Parenting Plan Overview

Spousal Support (Alimony) in King County
Spousal maintenance is not automatically awarded in Washington. Instead, it’s based on factors such as:

• The length of the marriage
• Financial dependence and earning gaps between spouses
• The time and resources needed for one spouse to become self-supporting
• The standard of living established during the marriage

Support may be awarded on a temporary, rehabilitative, or long-term basis depending on your circumstances.

Helpful resource:
Washington Law Help – About Spousal Maintenance

Dividing Property and Debt Fairly
In Bellevue divorces, Washington’s community property laws govern how assets and debts are divided. Any earnings, purchases, or liabilities acquired during the marriage—whether jointly titled or not—are presumed to be shared.

However, courts do not simply divide everything 50/50. Instead, they aim for a just and equitable distribution, factoring in:

• Whether property is classified as community or separate
• The financial standing of each spouse
• The duration of the marriage
• Contributions to the household, including unpaid labor or caregiving

Helpful resource:
Washington Law Help – Property and Debt in Divorce

What happens to my children during a divorce, and how is parenting time decided?
In Washington State, child-related decisions are made through a parenting plan, not traditional custody terms. Bellevue courts—and all of King County—prioritize your child’s emotional health, physical care, and long-term stability. The court will consider each parent’s past caregiving role, their emotional bond with the child, and their ability to support a 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:
King County Superior Court – Parenting Plans

How will our finances be divided, and will I be financially secure after the divorce?
Washington’s community property system assumes that all income, property, and debt acquired during the marriage belong to both spouses. The court doesn’t always split assets 50/50 but will aim for a division that is “just and equitable.” This includes evaluating each spouse’s earning potential, debt load, and financial needs after divorce.

"...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 Bellevue, and what can I expect in costs?
There’s a mandatory 90-day waiting period in Washington after divorce papers are filed and served. A straightforward, uncontested divorce may be resolved soon after, while complex cases involving children, property disputes, or spousal support can take many months. Legal costs depend on how cooperative both parties are and whether court hearings are necessary.

Explore further:
King County Superior Court – Divorce Filing Information

What legal rights do I have during a divorce in Bellevue?
You have the right to a fair division of assets and debts, to request spousal maintenance, and to a parenting plan that protects your child’s best interests. If you are facing abuse, harassment, or intimidation, you can seek a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) through King 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 Protection During Divorce

How will divorce affect my emotional well-being and relationships?
Divorce is a deeply personal and emotional transition. Many people experience grief, stress, or anxiety as they adjust to new family roles and routines. These emotional challenges can also affect children. Seeking counseling, joining support groups, and building a solid network of family and friends can help you stay grounded.

Explore further:
Washington State DSHS – Family Services and Support

If you're facing divorce in Bellevue or anywhere in King County, you don’t have to navigate the legal system alone. At the Law Offices of Jason S. Newcombe, we help individuals make informed, confident decisions during one of life’s most challenging times.

Whether your case involves complex assets, high-conflict parenting plans, or concerns about financial stability, our Bellevue-based team offers compassionate guidance backed by decades of legal experience.

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

Schedule your free consultation with a qualified divorce lawyer today and take the first step toward a stable, secure future.

Going through a Bellevue divorce is hard, and can cause a great deal of emotional turmoil in your family, even if the process is amicable. Divorce can leave people feeling alone, bewildered, and wondering if the choices they're making are the best for themselves and their kids.

As you face the unique challenges presented by a divorce, is there any way to feel confident that your decisions are giving you and your Bellevue family the best opportunity for a promising future?

One of the most difficult parts of a Bellevue divorce is facing difficult choices that demand compromise, even when you don't want to give up any ground with your ex. When tough decisions inevitably come up, you need reliable legal counsel from experienced Washington State divorce attorneys who will treat you with honesty. When you trust your Washington State divorce attorney, confidence in your choices will build and ease some of your emotional burden and doubt.

If you're looking for an experienced Bellevue divorce lawyer who will earn your trust, contact the Law Office of Jason S. Newcombe. With more than 30 years of collective family law experience, our divorce lawyers understand how important consistent legal advice can be. Our Bellevue divorce attorneys are eager to develop a relationship with you that is based on trust. While we can't guarantee that we will always tell you what you want to hear, we can guarantee that we will always to tell you what you need to hear, even when it's less than welcome.

It's perfectly normal to feel confused as you enter into divorce proceedings, but our Bellevue divorce attorneys will paint a clear picture of what you may expect. A qualified lawyer from our Bellevue law office will be happy to act as your personal advocate throughout your divorce, family law, or custody case. We offer a free case evaluation, so that you can make an informed decision about legal representation that's suitable for you. If you choose our Bellevue legal team to represent your interests, we will aggressively fight to define and achieve your goals while fully developing a professional relationship based upon honesty and respect.

Bellevue divorces can sometimes become emotionally charged, causing feelings of anger or resentment to rise at unexpected times during negotiations. Our Bellevue attorneys urge our clients to keep calm when volatile situations arise, so that everyone remains focused on the task at hand. Maintaining a positive attitude helps you remain fair and balanced, which is something the court requires when dividing assets and developing a parenting plan. Your Bellevue lawyer can help you negotiate terms for important issues common to a divorce, and these include:

• Child custody
• Child support
• Visitation rights
• Alimony (spousal maintenance)
• Issues involving paternity
• Legal separation

When you contact one of our experienced Bellevue divorce attorneys, they will give you a realistic idea of what to expect from the court and the negotiation process. You need to remember that some things may not work out exactly as you want, but you should keep an open mind throughout negotiations, and sometimes be willing to make adjustments to your expectations.

Your Bellevue divorce lawyer may sometimes tell you things that you don't want to hear, but you need to realize that this counsel is provided with your best interests in mind.

Your Washington divorce attorney may have to take your case to court, but we always remain hopeful that we can negotiate a fair agreement with your ex.

Your Washington state divorce attorney will act as your trusted advisor and personal advocate throughout the divorce process, compassionately addressing your needs whenever they arise. A Bellevue divorce can be emotionally draining, so we seek to minimize your stress as much as we can. When doubts or issues come up, you can reach out to your Bellevue divorce lawyer for help.

If your divorce case goes all the way to court, our Bellevue attorneys will aggressively fight for you and your children's personal interests. We always urge our Bellevue divorce clients to keep the lines of communication with their ex-spouse open, because this is the least stressful way to resolve a case.

Maintaining a positive outlook is sometimes difficult, but will ultimately make the divorce process easier for everyone involved; especially your children. A cool head and controlled emotions often leads to a more favorable end result, which should be your ultimate goal.

Your divorce case requires personalized attention from experienced Bellevue divorce lawyers. Because no two divorce cases are ever identical, your personal goals may be different from any other client that we've ever represented. We vow to work diligently, in an effort to achieve the best end result possible, which starts from the first moment our Bellevue divorce attorneys address your needs.

We believe that nobody understands your Bellevue family better than you. This is why we take our cues directly from you and then act as your personal advocate with the Washington court. Our professional divorce attorneys in Washington State understand that hard work is what often makes the difference, because there is no guaranteed recipe for success. Our goal is to earn your trust by offering kind, personalized attention, while you take the first steps toward a more fulfilling life.

Get a handle on the details of your divorce by talking to one of our Washington State divorce attorneys today. We understand that this is a difficult time in your life, but protecting your future is paramount. Take advantage of our offer for a free Washington State divorce consultation with one of our lawyers. Without any obligation, you can get information about the law and how it pertains to your particular situation. If you retain one of our experienced Washington lawyers in Bellevue, they will immediately start working on your case.