Divorce in Washington
Divorce is the legal process that ends a marriage. In Washington it is called a dissolution of marriage, and it decides four things: how property and debt are divided, whether either spouse pays maintenance, how you will parent your children, and how much child support is paid.
What we do
We guide clients through every stage of the divorce process, from filing the initial petition to reaching a final resolution. That includes division of assets and debts, spousal maintenance, parenting plans, and negotiation or litigation when it is needed. The focus is on protecting your rights, your financial future, and your family's well‑being.
What happens first
Step one
The petition
One spouse files a petition for dissolution and the other is served. Either spouse can file. Washington is a no‑fault state, so you do not have to prove wrongdoing.
Step two
The 90‑day wait
Washington requires at least 90 days between filing and a final decree. Most of the work — disclosure, valuation, and negotiation — happens during this window.
Step three
Resolution
Most cases settle by agreement. If yours does not, we are prepared to try it. Either way it ends in final orders signed by a judge.
What it costs
Your first consultation is free and runs about 30 minutes, including a case evaluation. For an uncontested divorce, fees typically range from $4,000 to $5,500. That is an estimate, not a flat fee, and it assumes the two of you agree on the major issues.
Every case is unique. Contested property, a disputed parenting plan, or a spouse who will not disclose finances all change the picture. The most reliable way to find out what your case will cost is to ask at a free consultation, where you can get a quote specific to your situation.
Common questions
How long will it take?
90 days is the legal minimum, not the typical outcome. An uncontested case often finishes near that mark. A contested case can run a year or more.
Do we split everything 50/50?
No. Washington is a community property state, but the standard is a just and equitable division, which is not always an even split.
Do I have to go to court?
Often very little. Most divorces resolve by agreement, and much of what remains can be handled by declaration rather than testimony.
Can we use the same attorney?
No. An attorney represents one spouse. We can only advise you, and the other spouse should get their own advice before signing anything.
Talk it through first
A free 30‑minute consultation costs you nothing and is not a commitment. Bring your questions, and leave with a clearer sense of what your case involves and what it is likely to cost.
This page is general information about Washington law, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney‑client relationship. Outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case. Pinnacle Family Law, PLLC · 2479 Griffin Ave., Suite 201, Enumclaw, WA 98022.