Thinking About Divorce in Olympia or Thurston County? Here’s What You Should Know

If you’re considering divorce in Olympia or anywhere in Thurston County, you’re likely navigating a wave of uncertainty. Will you need to move out of your home? How will your property be divided? What happens with your children? These are normal concerns, and fortunately, Washington law offers a structured legal framework to help guide you through the process.

Whether you're just beginning to explore your options or have been served with divorce papers, understanding how divorce works in Thurston County is a vital first step in protecting your future.

Washington is a no-fault divorce state. This means neither party must prove misconduct such as infidelity or abandonment. The only legal requirement is that one spouse believes the marriage is “irretrievably broken.”

Here are a few key facts you should know before filing:

• At least one spouse must reside in Washington State to file.
• There is a mandatory 90-day waiting period from the time the petition is filed and served before the divorce can be finalized.
• Washington’s community property laws presume that most property and debts acquired during the marriage are jointly owned.
• If you have children, the court requires a parenting plan and child support order before issuing a final divorce decree.

To begin the divorce process, visit:
Thurston County Superior Court – Family & Juvenile Court

Parenting Plans and Child-Focused Agreements
If children are involved, one of the most critical components of your divorce will be crafting a parenting plan. Washington courts no longer use the terms “custody” or “visitation.” Instead, parenting plans define where the child will live, how decisions will be made, and how both parents will remain actively involved in their child’s life.

Unless there is a credible risk of harm or abuse, the court generally favors ongoing involvement from both parents.

Helpful resource:
Washington Courts – Parenting Plan Overview

Spousal Support (Alimony) in Thurston County
Spousal maintenance is not automatically granted in Washington. The court considers multiple factors when deciding whether to award support, including:

• The length of the marriage
• The financial dependency of one spouse on the other
• The time and resources needed to become self-supporting
• The standard of living established during the marriage

Depending on your circumstances, the court may award temporary, rehabilitative, or long-term spousal support.

Helpful resource:
Washington Law Help – Spousal Maintenance

Dividing Property and Debt Fairly
Divorce in Olympia follows Washington’s community property laws. This means most assets and debts acquired during the marriage are presumed to be jointly owned. However, division is based on what the court deems "just and equitable," not necessarily an even 50/50 split.

The court will weigh several factors, including:

• Whether property is classified as community or separate
• Each spouse’s financial situation and earning capacity
• The duration of the marriage
• Non-financial contributions, such as caregiving or managing the household

Helpful resource:
Washington Law Help – Dividing Property and Debt

What happens to my children during a divorce, and how is parenting time decided?
In Washington State, parenting time is determined through a court-approved parenting plan—not through traditional custody labels. In Olympia and throughout Thurston County, courts prioritize your child’s emotional, physical, and developmental needs. Judges will consider each parent’s involvement in caregiving, the emotional relationship between the child and each parent, and each parent's ability to support the child’s connection with the other.

“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: Thurston County Family & Juvenile Court – Parenting Information

How will our finances be divided, and will I be financially secure after the divorce?
Washington follows community property laws, meaning nearly all property and debt acquired during the marriage is presumed to be jointly owned. However, the law does not require a 50/50 split. The court will divide assets and liabilities based on what it deems "just and equitable" after reviewing each spouse’s financial standing 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 further: Washington Law Help – Property and Debt Division

How long does a divorce take in Olympia, and what can I expect in costs?
A divorce in Washington cannot be finalized until 90 days after the petition is filed and served. A straightforward case may resolve soon after, but if there are disagreements over parenting, finances, or support, it can take several months or longer. Costs vary depending on whether the case is contested and whether court hearings or mediation are required.

Explore further: Thurston County Superior Court – Divorce Filing Overview

What legal rights do I have during a divorce in Thurston County?
You have the right to a fair division of assets, to request spousal maintenance, and to secure a parenting plan that protects your child’s well-being. If your safety is at risk due to abuse or harassment, you may also file for a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) through Thurston County Superior Court.

“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 – Divorce and Legal Protection

How will divorce affect my emotional well-being and relationships?
Divorce often brings emotional strain. It’s common to experience grief, anxiety, and stress as you adjust to new routines and relationships. These emotions can also affect your children. Counseling, local support groups, and state-based parenting resources can help you maintain balance during this transition.

Explore further: Washington State DSHS – Family and Parenting Support

Divorce is a life-altering event—but you don’t have to go through it alone. At the Law Offices of Jason S. Newcombe, our Olympia divorce attorneys are here to guide you with clarity, confidence, and compassion. We serve clients across Thurston County with a full range of legal services tailored to the unique challenges of divorce.

Our Olympia divorce services include:

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

Schedule your free consultation today with an Olympia divorce lawyer who knows the law, and take the first step toward security, stability, and peace of mind.

If you are considering a divorce or have been served with divorce papers, then you’re probably looking for answers as to what comes next. A divorce can be a complicated and emotional process that sometimes drags on over a year from the time of the filing. For this reason, it’s a good idea to talk to one of our Olympia divorce lawyers to make sure you are being treated fairly, and so that you can obtain a desirable end result.

You probably have some things that are important to you in life. Things that are at risk if you lose them in your divorce. These might be material possessions such as a car, a Washington State home, property, jewelry, or a family heirloom. Our Olympia, Washington divorce attorneys will aggressively fight on your behalf to help you keep the things you hold dear.

If children are involved in your divorce then obviously there is a lot at stake. Issues such as custody, child support, and visitation will have to be addressed, especially if negotiations with your spouse are nonproductive. Our lawyers have the experience needed to handle these sensitive divorce issues, helping you ensure the best end result for you and people you love.

Undoubtedly, there is a lot on your mind right now, and Lawyers and attorneys are probably not included. You are worried about the things that matter most in life; your children, your home, vehicles, bank accounts, and high-value assets such as family businesses and life insurance plans.

Also, we don’t charge a fee to answer your questions. We offer a free case evaluation to all of our potential clients, making it possible for you to get answers to your divorce questions without any risk at all. We can answer your questions and give you the facts about your divorce in a clear and concise manner. Then, you can decide if you would like to retain one of our Olympia, WA divorce attorneys. If you do, then we will start working on your divorce case right away, and we will be there at your side throughout the entire process.

Contact us today.