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Considering Divorce in Everett or Snohomish County? Here’s What You Should Know
If you're thinking about divorce in Everett or anywhere in Snohomish County, you're likely facing a wide range of questions—about your home, your children, your finances, and your future. These concerns are entirely valid, and the good news is that Washington law offers a structured and predictable process to help you navigate divorce with greater clarity and control.
Whether you’re preparing to file or have just been served, understanding how the process works in Snohomish County is the first step toward protecting your legal rights and emotional well-being.
What to Expect When Filing for Divorce in EverettWashington is a no-fault divorce state, which means you don’t need to prove that your spouse did anything wrong to end your marriage. The only legal requirement is that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.”
Here are a few key points to know before you begin:
- Either spouse must live in Washington State to file for divorce.
- There is a 90-day mandatory waiting period after the petition is filed and served before the divorce can be finalized.
- Washington follows community property laws, meaning most assets and debts acquired during the marriage are presumed to be jointly owned.
- If you have children, the court will require a parenting plan and a child support arrangement before issuing a final divorce order.
Ready to begin? Visit the official Snohomish County resource here:
Snohomish County Superior Court – Dissolution of Marriage FAQ
Parenting Plans and Co-Parenting in Snohomish County
When children are involved, developing a court-approved parenting plan is one of the most critical steps. Washington courts no longer use “custody” and “visitation” labels—instead, parenting plans spell out residential time, decision-making authority, and how parents will work together to raise their children.
Unless there's a proven concern regarding abuse or neglect, the court encourages shared parental involvement.
Helpful resource:
Washington Courts – Parenting Plan Basics
Spousal Support (Alimony) in Snohomish County
Spousal maintenance (also known as alimony) is not automatic in Washington. Instead, it’s based on each spouse’s financial situation and the specifics of the marriage. The court considers:
- The length of the marriage
- One spouse’s financial dependence on the other
- The requesting spouse’s ability to become self-supporting
- The standard of living during the marriage
Depending on the circumstances, support may be temporary, rehabilitative, or long-term.
Helpful resource:
Washington Law Help – Understanding Spousal Maintenance
Dividing Property and Debt in a Snohomish County Divorce
In Everett divorces, Washington’s community property laws govern the division of assets and liabilities. This includes income, real estate, vehicles, retirement accounts, and credit card debt acquired during the marriage—even if only one spouse’s name is on the title.
However, the court is not required to split everything 50/50. Instead, judges aim for a just and equitable division by examining:
- Whether assets are community or separate property
- Each spouse’s financial situation
- The length of the marriage
- Contributions to the marriage, including caregiving and unpaid labor
Helpful resource:
Washington Law Help – Property and Debt in Divorce
If you're located in Everett or another part of Snohomish County and are considering divorce, the process can feel daunting but you're not alone. Clear legal information and the right professional support from a qualified divorce lawyer can help you take the next step with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce in Everett and Snohomish CountyWhat happens to my children during a divorce, and how is parenting time decided?
In Washington, parenting arrangements are decided through a legally required parenting plan, not traditional custody labels. In Snohomish County, the court prioritizes the child’s emotional, physical, and psychological well-being. Judges evaluate each parent’s caregiving history, the strength of the parent-child relationship, and the ability to support ongoing involvement by 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 more: Snohomish County Superior Court – Parenting Plans & Family Law
How will our finances be divided, and will I be financially secure after the divorce?
Under Washington’s community property law, most income, assets, and debts acquired during the marriage are considered jointly owned. The court will divide these assets fairly—not always equally—based on the nature of the property, each spouse’s financial circumstances, and future 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
Explore more: Washington Law Help – Dividing Property and Debt
How long does a divorce take in Everett, and what will it cost?
Washington requires a 90-day waiting period after filing and serving the divorce petition before the court can finalize the divorce. If both parties agree on all terms, a divorce may be resolved shortly after that. Complex divorces involving children, contested property, or spousal support may take several months. Costs vary widely depending on whether your case settles amicably or proceeds to litigation.
Explore more: Snohomish County Clerk – Family Law and Divorce Filings
What legal rights do I have during a divorce in Snohomish County?
You have the legal right to request a fair property division, spousal support (if needed), and a parenting plan that serves your child’s best interests. If your safety is at risk due to threats or abuse, you can petition the court for a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO).
“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 more: Washington Law Help – Divorce and Legal Protection
How will divorce affect my emotional well-being and relationships?
Divorce is a life-altering experience that can impact your emotional health, family dynamics, and friendships. Many individuals report stress, grief, or anxiety during and after divorce. These emotions are natural and valid. Counseling, support groups, and parenting resources can help you navigate the emotional transition.
Explore more: Washington State DSHS – Family and Parenting Resources
Compassionate Legal Support for Divorce in Everett and Snohomish CountyDivorce may be the end of one chapter—but it’s also the beginning of a new one. At the Law Offices of Jason S. Newcombe, we help individuals across Snohomish County make informed, confident decisions during divorce. Our legal team provides guidance that is grounded in experience, focused on your goals, and committed to protecting your rights every step of the way.
Whether you're dealing with contested parenting plans, complex asset division, or emotional uncertainty, we’re here to support you.
Our Everett divorce services include:- Spousal Maintenance (Alimony)
- Parenting Plans and Child Custody
- Child Support
- Property and Debt Division
- Prenuptial Agreements
- Divorce for Men and Women
- Domestic Violence and Protection Orders
Schedule your free consultation today, speak with one of our experienced Everett divorce attorneys, and take the first step toward clarity, stability, and a secure future.
Our Everett Divorce Attorneys Can Help You Take the Next Step
Going through an Everett divorce is a life-changing experience that can cause a great deal of emotional strain, and financial hardship, on you and your family. The decisions you make now, and as your Everett divorce moves forward, will echo well into the future and possibly for the rest of your life. When you add the element of children to the equation, the situation can seen almost overwhelming.
You are facing the burdensome task of rebuilding your Everett life, and protecting the interests of the people you care most about. Knowing how to make the right decisions for yourself and your children as you progress through your Everett divorce proceedings can be difficult, and it’s natural to do your share of second guessing. When you work directly with a Washington State divorce attorney, they try and provide you insight and information to ease the decision-making process, and you have more time to focus on the needs of your children.
If you are considering a divorce, or have been served with divorce papers, a qualified Everett divorce lawyer from our office is ready to help you take the next step. Your choice of divorce lawyer is an important one because you will want to establish a working relationship based on trust and mutual respect. Our Everett divorce attorneys immediately work with a client to establish a set of goals, and then do the hard work needed to attain those goals. One trust is forged, then subsequent decisions become easier and confidence in your choices grows.
Taking the next step requires opening a line of discourse with one of our Everett divorce attorneys and providing them with details about your current situation. Our law firm is dedicated to helping people get a new lease on life, and we’ve helped numerous clients in Everett with cases involving divorce, family law, and child custody. A successful end result hinges on developing and maintaining trust. You need to be able to trust that your Everett divorce lawyer is giving you counsel that will benefit your cause.
At times, Everett divorce proceedings can get heated. Not only is baggage from a failed marriage often brought forth into Everett divorce proceedings, but the stress of the situation can make people feel resentful and then vent those frustrations verbally. When difficult decisions come up that deal with child custody, paternity, visitation, child support, and division of property, then your faith in your attorney is vital.
Our Everett divorce attorneys offer years of experience and will provide you with legal counsel based on Washington State divorce law. It’s important to remember that divorce proceedings dictate that a person be flexible, because the entire process is fluid and situations can change. There might even come a time when your divorce lawyer gives you counsel that you won’t readily accept, but at times like this a relationship based on trust will reap dividends.
Sometimes it is necessary to take a case all the way to court, but your divorce attorney in Everett will pursue negotiations whenever possible. Whether you go to court or not, your Washington State divorce attorney will guide you through every step of the process, both great and small. They will work to protect you and everything you care about, and act as your personal advocate throughout the divorce proceedings.
Your divorce will be one of the most trying times in your life. Our Everett divorce attorneys take a compassionate approach to litigation, and care about you, your family, and the end result. We take our job seriously and we want to earn your trust. If this is important to you, contact an Everett divorce lawyer from our team of legal professionals and start laying out a set of goals you would like to see made into reality.
When it’s Time to Negotiate a Divorce Attorney in Everett Can HelpAs mentioned, there are times when there is no other choice than to take a divorce case to court. However, an experienced Washington State divorce attorney will always seek to negotiate with the other party and their attorney. Emotions must take the back seat during divorce negotiations, and it’s important to keep an open mind and be willing to listen. This is especially important when children are involved, because a mutually agreed upon end result will alleviate much of the stress.
If negotiations fail then your divorce lawyer will have to bring the battle to court, as this would be the only way to protect the interests of you and your Everett family.
Get Personalized Care from Your Everett Divorce LawyerYour divorce case demands personal attention because there is no cookie-cutter formula that works from one case to the next. This is why our Everett divorce attorneys always take time to get all of the details involved in a case, so that they can give it the individualized care it demands. Our goal is always to get the best end result we possible can for every client, but we also realize that no one understands your family’s needs better than you.
Every Everett divorce lawyer should be willing to focus on your goals, but we make a personal commitment to every client that goes above and beyond simple litigation and negotiation. We take a personal interest in our clients and treat each case as if it were our own.
Contact Our Law Today and Take the Next StepYou might feel overwhelmed right now, facing the heavy burden of a divorce and the emotional strain of how it will affect your family. Make sure you have a Washington State divorce attorney who is willing to take a personal interest in your case, and who has years of experience in family law.
Contact us today for a free consultation so that one of our divorce attorneys can help you define your goals. From there we will build a repertoire based on trust and teamwork, always working in your best interests and that of your family.
