Is uncontested divorce right for you?

Divorce is always difficult for everyone involved, but it can sometimes be accomplished through an easier negotiation process. If you and your spouse are willing to compromise and communicate openly throughout the process, you may be able to get an uncontested divorce. An uncontested divorce means you come to a mutual agreement on the terms of your divorce rather than litigation and leaving it up to a judge.

Here are some answers to common questions you might have about uncontested divorce. These details can help you decide if going through an uncontested divorce in Washington state is right for you.

How do I start the process?
In a divorce by agreement, you and your spouse must agree on all issues in your divorce, including:

• Property division
• Child custody
• Parenting plans
• Child support
• Spousal support

You both must reside in Washington, and you must be aware of the current address of your spouse. If you meet all of these criteria, you may move forward with filing divorce forms.

We have substantial assets — is uncontested divorce still possible?
The short answer is yes — uncontested divorce is possible even if your marriage contains significant assets. The long answer is that it can be complicated. Depending on the complexity of your assets and your understanding of them, negotiating the agreements through an uncontested process can be challenging. If you have trouble negotiating property directly, you can get an attorney to help.

Do we need an attorney?
You do not technically need to hire an attorney to file for an uncontested divorce in Washington. However, if you choose to go this route, you are responsible for filing the correct documents at the correct courts; mishandled matters may cause further legal trouble. To ensure everything is filed correctly and your legal rights are protected, it is beneficial to get professional help.

Now that you understand more about this process, you are better suited to decide whether you and your spouse can come to a mutual agreement or litigate your divorce. For more advice about divorce proceedings, consult a divorce lawyer.

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