In Washington, divorce cases enable couples to end their marriage as amicably as possible. The laws dictate what requirements must be met before the divorce is finalized. Typically, the couple must come to an agreement about their divorce and all terms. A Divorce Lawyer in Tacoma WA provides fast assistance for petitioners who want to start a divorce right now.
When are Petitioners Allowed to File?
The first objective is to establish jurisdiction over the divorce case. The petitioner must live in the state of Washington for at least 90 days before starting a case. The same requirements apply to civilian and military divorces.
What Can the Defendant Dispute?
A defendant in a divorce case is not allowed to dispute the divorce itself. They have a legal ground for the dispute if they don’t agree with a term listed in the divorce agreement. The most common terms that are disputed are child custody or support, alimony assignments, and property division. Debts that aren’t the responsibility of the defendant are also subject to disputes.
What are the Most Common Terms of a Divorce Agreement?
The parties must divide their marital property equally and make determinations about debts. If alimony is requested, it must appear in the divorce agreement. The terms must define how much alimony is paid and the exact duration. If a wife wishes to change her name, the terms must appear in the agreement. A parenting plan and child support must be defined in the agreement, too.
Restraining Orders and Orders of Protection
If domestic violence occurred, the court provides an order of protection and/or restraining order. The terms of the order prohibit any contact between the parties and provide police protection for the victim. If the aggressor violates the terms of the protection order, he or she incurs additional criminal charges.
In Washington, a divorce case is dictated by local laws and guidelines. Petitioners must establish residency in the preferred areas of Washington first. Next, they must create an agreement that provides a fair and reasonable division of marital property. Petitioners who need assistance contact a Divorce Lawyer in Tacoma WA right now.
