Washington Divorce Lawyers: Find the Support You Need Near You

Divorce in Washington can feel overwhelming — whether you're navigating conflicts over parenting plans, dividing complex assets, or pursuing a cooperative, uncontested divorce. Washington’s divorce laws are detailed, and the process involves important decisions that affect your future stability. Having an experienced Washington divorce lawyer can provide clarity, protect your rights, and make the transition more manageable.

Washington is a community property state, which means most assets acquired during the marriage are owned equally by both spouses. The state also uses detailed guidelines when determining parenting plans, child support, and spousal maintenance.

Below is an overview of Washington’s divorce laws and a directory of trusted divorce attorneys serving major metro areas statewide.

Understanding Divorce in Washington

Residency Requirement

You may file for divorce in Washington if:

• You or your spouse lives in the state at the time of filing
  (Washington does not require a minimum residency period.)

Grounds for Divorce

Washington is a pure no-fault state, meaning:

• The only ground for divorce is that the marriage is “irretrievably broken”

No fault-based allegations are required.

Community Property Division

Washington follows community property law, which generally means:

• Assets and debts acquired during the marriage are shared equally

• Separate property (owned before marriage or received as a gift/inheritance) remains separate if not commingled

In complex cases — business ownership, stock grants, retirement accounts, real estate holdings — legal guidance is essential.

Child Custody (Parenting Plans)

Washington uses parenting plans, not traditional “custody” labels.

Courts consider:

• Strength of parent-child relationships

• Emotional needs of the child

• Stability of proposed homes

• Parental cooperation

• Safety risks, including abuse or neglect

Joint decision-making is common unless safety issues exist.

Child Support & Spousal Maintenance

Child support is based on Washington’s income guidelines.

Spousal maintenance may consider:

• Length of marriage

• Standard of living

• Each spouse’s financial resources

• Education and earning capacity

• Health and age

When You May Need a Washington Divorce Lawyer

A divorce lawyer is especially helpful if:

• You disagree on the parenting plan or decision-making

• You own a home, stock options, tech sector compensation, or business interests

• One spouse earns significantly more

• There are safety concerns, including domestic violence

• You suspect hidden income or assets

• Your spouse hired a lawyer

• You want strong representation in negotiation or court

Even uncontested divorces benefit from legal support to avoid costly errors.

Washington Uncontested Divorce Options

Washington offers a “Simplified” uncontested divorce if both spouses agree on all issues.

Divorce.com helps Washington couples:

• Prepare accurate, state-specific divorce forms

• Avoid filing mistakes or delays

• File efficiently and affordably

• Receive guidance throughout the process

This is ideal for cooperative divorces with clear agreements.

⭐ Washington Divorce Lawyers by Metro Area

A curated list of well-regarded divorce attorneys across the state.

Seattle

• McKinley Irvin

• Goldberg Jones – Divorce for Men

Spokane

• Hodgson Law Office

• David J. Crouse & Associates

Tacoma

• Alliance Law Group

• Smith Alling, P.S.

Vancouver

• Landerholm Family Law

• Heritage Family Law

Bellevue

• Steele Law Offices, PLLC

• MOG | Mazurek, Ortega & Gough