Divorce Decrees in Washington
- Where can I get a copy of my Washington divorce decree?
- What is a divorce decree?
- When will I need a copy of my divorce decree?
- Can you appeal a divorce decree in Washington?
- How long does it take to get a divorce decree in Washington?
- How much does a divorce decree cost in Washington?
- Divorce mediation in Washington
- References
A divorce decree is a legal order that formalizes a divorce, binding the parties to its terms and officially ending a marriage. It’s a very important document if you get a divorce in Washington.
After your divorce, keep a copy of your decree that’s easily accessible to prove you are divorced and confirm the details of your divorce. Your divorce decree can help to clarify confusion and answer questions you may have about your divorce.
Where can I get a copy of my Washington divorce decree?
Getting a copy of your Washington divorce decree is a fairly easy process. First, identify which county you got the divorce in. (This may differ from the county in which you currently live.) Then, contact a courthouse in that county.
The specifics may vary slightly by county. However, most counties should be able to send you your divorce decree through the mail or hand it to you in person. You will not generally be able to get a copy of your divorce decree online.
What is a divorce decree?
Let’s take a closer look at what a divorce decree is.
A divorce decree is essentially the final judgment on your divorce. It’s the document that sets your divorce terms. The parties involved are bound to its terms unless the decree is legally appealed or modified in the future.
It is arguably one of the most important documents produced during a divorce. It represents the culmination of the whole divorce process, and it dictates your rights and obligations as a divorced party that aren’t already considered default as part of divorce law.
A divorce decree should not be confused with a divorce certificate. A divorce certificate is a legal document that verifies a person is divorced but contains fewer details about the divorce compared to a divorce decree.
When will I need a copy of my divorce decree?
There are several situations in which a person may want or need a copy of their divorce decree.
As a general rule, it is wise to have a copy of your divorce decree for reference. This document will clearly state both parties’ legal obligations as part of the divorce, and it can help clarify any confusion or misconceptions about your divorce. You will especially want a copy of the decree if you’re going to be involved in any legal cases regarding the divorce, including whether you intend to appeal the divorce decree.
A copy of your decree may also be necessary if you intend to resume your maiden name, refinance your home, or remarry. This is because the document helps to prove you’re divorced and establish the important details of that divorce that may be necessary to prove in these kinds of scenarios.
Can you appeal a divorce decree in Washington?
You can attempt to appeal a divorce decree by filing an appeal 30 days or less after the entry of the decision of the trial court.
As a rule, you should never delay filing an appeal for a divorce decree (or any other type of case) if you intend to appeal. Why? Failing to file within the allotted period could mean that you have no chance to appeal, even if you otherwise have a valid case. If you intend to appeal a divorce decree, you will likely want to contact a legal professional in Washington.
How long does it take to get a divorce decree in Washington?
The state of Washington has a mandatory waiting period of 90 days before a divorce can be finalized. However, it’s important to understand that this is the minimum waiting period to get a divorce finalized. The complexity of a case and how busy the courts are could have a dramatic impact on the actual time the parties must wait until their divorce is finalized. In other words, a divorce could take a lot longer than 90 days in Washington, depending on other circumstances.
The waiting period starts once a summons and petition are filed with the court and properly served to the other party. The proverbial goal of this waiting period is to allow time for the parties to potentially reconcile. A lot of people use this period to work out the terms of their divorce agreement, such as how property and debt will be split between them. For some couples, it is helpful during this period of time to contact a divorce mediator to help settle their terms.
How much does a divorce decree cost in Washington?
The average cost of a divorce in Washington, per person, is about $10,314. This is considering that a Washington divorce involving children will typically cost $14,031 per person, and a divorce without kids will typically cost $9252 per person.
Compared to how much a divorce typically costs in other states, Washington compares somewhat poorly. It is in the top 40% of states in terms of divorce cost per person.
The bulk of divorce costs are associated with the legal experts people hire to help with the process. Legally speaking, you don’t need to hire a lawyer to get a divorce.
Hello Divorce offers flat-rate online divorce plans to help people get divorced for less money. We offer additional support services to help you through, but only if you want them. This is how we fulfill our goal of making divorce more accessible and less stressful for all.
Divorce mediation in Washington
As mentioned, you may decide to complete your divorce process via mediation. In divorce mediation, a neutral mediator helps you and your ex come to an agreement on areas where you don’t see eye to eye, such as who gets the house or how custody of the children should be structured.
The cost of a divorce may be sharply reduced with the help of a mediator. While some fees will still need to be paid, notably filing fees, these fees are much less than the cost of hiring an attorney and battling in court.
A divorce may also require that you pay a professional appraiser to evaluate the value of assets that need to be split as part of the divorce. The cost of these appraisals varies depending on the amount and complexity of your assets. It could potentially cost several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the assets that need to be appraised.
Suggested: How to Find a Trustworthy Home Appraiser
References
Divorce Decrees. King County.Notice of Appeal. Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts.
Family Law Handbook: Understanding the Legal Implications of Marriage and Divorce in Washington State. (July 2019). Washington Courts.
The Cost of Divorce: Where Is It Most Expensive? Self Financial.
