Considering Divorce in Seattle or King County? Here's What You Need to Know

If you're facing divorce for the first time in Seattle or anywhere in King County, you're not alone, and you're not expected to have all the answers right away. From questions about parenting to concerns about finances, the uncertainty can feel overwhelming. But understanding Washington’s divorce laws and the local court process can empower you to take control of your future with greater clarity and confidence.

Whether you’re just beginning to explore your options or have already been served with divorce papers, learning what to expect is the first step toward protecting yourself and your family.

Washington is a “no-fault” divorce state. This means that you don’t need to prove wrongdoing to end your marriage. The only legal ground is that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.” In most cases, a spouse’s behavior—such as infidelity—does not affect the division of property, support awards, or parenting plans.

Here are a few key facts to know:

• Either you or your spouse must live in Washington to file for divorce.
• There is a mandatory 90-day waiting period after the divorce petition is filed and served.
• Washington is a community property state. This means most property acquired during the marriage is presumed to be jointly owned and subject to division.
• If children are involved, the court will require both a parenting plan and a child support order before granting a final divorce.

For a step-by-step guide to the process in King County, visit:
King County Superior Court – Family Law

If you have children, creating a court-approved parenting plan will be one of the most critical aspects of your case. Washington law focuses on the best interests of the child, not who has "custody." Parenting plans outline where the child will live, how major decisions will be made, and how both parents will maintain meaningful involvement.

Unless there are proven safety risks, courts in King County expect both parents to support the child’s relationship with the other parent.

Helpful link:
Washington Courts – Parenting Plans

Spousal maintenance is not guaranteed. The court evaluates several factors, including the length of the marriage, your financial resources, your spouse’s ability to pay, and how long it might take you to become self-sufficient.

Support may be:

• Temporary (while the divorce is pending)
• Rehabilitative (to help you transition into independence)
• Long-term (in certain cases, particularly with long marriages and limited income opportunities)

Helpful link:
Washington Law Help – Divorce & Separation Overview

Washington’s community property laws apply in every King County divorce. That means most property—and most debt—acquired during the marriage is shared equally. But that doesn’t mean the division will be a 50/50 split.

The court will weigh:

• The type of property (community or separate)
• Each spouse’s financial circumstances
• The length of the marriage
• Any sacrifices made by one spouse (such as staying home to raise children)

Helpful link:
Washington Law Help – Who Gets What in a Divorce?

1. What will happen to my children, and how will custody or visitation be decided?
   In Seattle, parenting arrangements are governed by a court-approved parenting plan. Washington law prioritizes the best interests of the child and considers factors such as each parent’s involvement in caregiving, the child’s emotional needs, and each parent’s 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
Helpful link: King County Superior Court – Parenting Plans

1. How will our finances be divided, and will I be financially stable after the divorce?
   Washington is a community property state. That means most property and debt acquired during the marriage are presumed to be jointly owned and must be divided fairly—though not necessarily 50/50. The court considers factors like financial need, earning capacity, and the nature of the property.

“…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 – Division of property and debts Helpful link: Washington Law Help – Property and Debt Division

1. How long will the divorce process take, and how much will it cost?
   All Washington divorces require a minimum 90-day waiting period from the date of filing and service. The total time and cost depend on whether the divorce is contested, the number of issues involved, and whether parties can reach agreements outside of court.

Helpful link: King County Family Law Orientation – Divorce Basics

1. What are my legal rights in Seattle, and how can I protect myself?
   You have the right to a fair share of marital property, to request spousal support, and to seek a parenting plan that reflects your child's best interests. If your safety is at risk, you also have the right to petition for a protection order.

“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
Helpful link: King County – Domestic Violence & Protection Orders

1. How will this divorce affect my mental well-being and relationships with family and friends?
   Divorce can be emotionally complex. Seattle-area resources include support groups, counselors, and parenting support services. Emotional health can also impact parenting evaluations and stability post-divorce, making it important to take care of yourself during the process.

Helpful link: Washington State DSHS – Parenting & Family Resources

Divorce can be overwhelming—but it doesn't have to be chaotic or isolating. With the right guidance and legal support, you can take control of your future and protect what matters most.

At the Law Offices of Jason S. Newcombe, we help individuals across Seattle and King County navigate divorce with confidence. Whether you’re filing for divorce, responding to a petition, or just exploring your options, we’re here to advocate for your best interests every step of the way.

Our divorce services include:

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

You don’t have to go through this alone. Schedule your free consultation today and take the first step toward peace of mind and a secure future.

Going through a Seattle divorce is a difficult challenge that can cause a great deal of emotional turmoil on both you and your children. The divorce will set into motion a series of events that can leave you feeling bewildered and wondering if you're making the best choices for you and your family. As you take these first steps into the next phase of your life, it helps to have assurance that the decisions you make regarding the terms of your divorce are giving you and your Seattle family the best opportunity to succeed.

A Seattle divorce is often difficult to navigate because you are constantly faced with difficult choices that often demand compromise. When these tough decisions arise, you need sound legal counsel from experienced Washington State divorce attorneys who can offer you real world advice based on the law. By working with a Washington State divorce attorney with whom you've developed trust, you can rest assured that the choices you make are ones that will lay a solid foundation for a better future.

Are you ready to speak to a dedicated Seattle divorce lawyer who can help you through these trying times? With decades of combined experience, our divorce attorneys have witnessed firsthand how important reliable legal advice can be. Our Seattle divorce attorneys will develop a relationship with you that is based on trust by listening to your needs, outlining a list of goals, and then doing the hard work necessary to give you the best chance for a positive resolution.

Feeling confused about how you should proceed is normal, but a fine place to start is by consulting with one of our Seattle divorce attorneys. A lawyer from our Seattle law office will be happy to represent your interests during your divorce, family law or custody case. We will begin to earn your trust by providing you with a cost-free case evaluation so that you can make an informed decision when it comes to professional legal representation. If you choose our Seattle law firm to represent your interests, we will aggressively fight to achieve your goals, and build a professional relationship with you based upon respect and mutual understanding.

Often, the Seattle divorce process can become an emotionally charge affair where feelings of anger or resentment rise to the surface during negotiations. Our Seattle attorneys seek to diffuse these volatile situations so that you and your ex-spouse can remain focused on the task at hand, while reaching an amenable agreement. A positive attitude is vital to success, and your Seattle lawyer can help you negotiate terms for important divorce issues that include:

• Child custody in Washington state
• Child support
• Visitation rights
• Alimony, which is also called spousal maintenance
• Issues involving paternity

When you first speak with one of our Seattle divorce attorneys and clearly define your personal goals, we will be able to forge a path through the negotiation process. One thing that you should remember is that certain aspects of your divorce may not go exactly as you’ve hoped. A Washington State divorce requires that you have an open mind throughout negotiations, and sometimes requires an adjustment in your expectations.

There may even be times that your Seattle divorce lawyer tells you something that you simply do not want to hear, but maintaining focus on the task at hand will be easier if you've developed a relationship based on mutual trust.

While it may be necessary for your Washington state divorce attorney to fight for your interest in court, our first course of action will be attempting to negotiate a reasonable agreement with your ex-spouse. Our attorneys are skilled Seattle litigators who work directly with you while attempting to achieve your goals, but it's important to approach the negotiating table with an open mind and a willingness to keep negative emotions at bay.

Throughout the entire divorce process, your Washington state divorce attorney will act as your trusted counselor and personal advocate. An Olympia divorce is one of the most stressful events any person will face in their lifetime, so our key role is to minimize the difficulty of a divorce as much as possible while making sure your legal interests are protected. If doubts or questions arise, your Seattle divorce lawyer will always be available to you, addressing your questions and concerns without delay.

Unfortunately, some divorce cases must to go all the way to Washington Court, but if this happens in your situation our Seattle attorneys will aggressively fight for you and your children's interests. Still, we always recommend that our Seattle divorce clients keep the lines of communication open with their ex-spouse and do everything possible to keep negotiations fluid. This attitude will ultimately make the divorce process easier for everyone involved, especially your children. Additionally, a cool head often leads to a more favorable end result, and less emotional strain.

Every divorce case requires personal attention and care from experienced Seattle divorce lawyers, and your case is no different. Indeed, no two divorce cases are ever the same, and your goals may be quite different from someone else's. Our goal is to get you the best and result possible, and this starts when our Seattle divorce attorneys first address your needs and develop a negotiating strategy based upon them. We maintain that nobody understands your Seattle family better than you, so we take our cues by listening to your needs and then by acting as your personal advocate and representative with the family court.

There is never one clear-cut method that leads to success, but our qualified divorce attorneys in Washington State will not only help you understand the law, but also offer you advice on how to clear any unforeseen obstacles that present themselves. We earn the trust of our divorce clients by offering this kind of personal care, and compassionately offering them assistance as they take the first steps into their new life.

Start getting a handle on your divorce today by talking to one of our Washington State divorce attorneys. We understand that the stakes are high in every divorce, and even though this may be a difficult time in your life, protecting your future is paramount.

Contact our team of attorneys today for a free Washington State divorce consultation. Without cost or obligation, your divorce case evaluation will remain private and confidential. If you ultimately choose to retain one of our Washington attorneys, they will immediately begin to develop a relationship with you based on mutual trust and understanding, while aggressively fighting to meet your personal goals.