Frequently Asked Questions: Can spouses legally change their names during a divorce? What is a “separate property”? How does a court divide property and debts? What if a spouse has misbehaved during the marriage? What happens if my spouse does not respond to the petition for dissolution? How is a Parenting Plan determined? How is child support determined? What role does domestic violence play in divorce? What is collaborative law?
What does a Court need to do in a divorce?
Is there a waiting period before a divorce can be final?
How does a court divide property and debts?
In Washington, in a divorce action the court has authority over both separate and community property. The court is required to determine what is separate property, what is community property, and then divide the property and debts justly and equitably. The division is not necessarily an equal division. The court uses a series of factors under Washington law, such as how long the couple were married, the nature and extent of community and separate property. If there are minor children, the economic circumstances of each party at the time the division is made, and other factors.
Hawkes Law Firm
19929 Ballinger Way NE, Suite 200
Shoreline, WA 98155
206 367.5000 Fax 206 367.4005