Can military members file for divorce in any state?

Generally speaking, military members and their spouses have three choices when it comes to where they can file for divorce: The state where the spouse filing resides; The state where the military member is stationed; or. The state where the military member claims legal residency.

How does a divorce work in Washington State?

Marriages or domestic partnerships in Washington can end through an annulment, legal separation or a divorce, also known as a dissolution of marriage. Washington is a no-fault state and one spouse or the other only needs to claim that a marriage is “irretrievably broken” to start the divorce process.

Can a divorce be bifurcated in Washington State?

The state of Washington strongly discourages bifurcation of a divorce unless circumstances are extremely hostile, and the divorce cannot proceed unless there is an immediate termination. Some judges will allow bifurcation, and some will not, but overall, bifurcation is a rare occurrence in the state.

When do debts belong to both spouses in Washington State?

Just as it is with assets in a community property state, in Washington any debts acquired by one or the other spouse during a marriage belong equally to both spouses. Debts that are incurred after a marriage or separation, or before a marriage or separation, only belong to the spouse who incurred them.

How to get a restraining order in Washington State?

For a referral to a lawyer or a legal service program, call CLEAR (888) 201-1014. Your county may also have a courthouse facilitator who cannot provide legal advice, but who can offer limited assistance in completing necessary paperwork.

Where can a military spouse file for divorce?

Divorce laws allow service members and their spouses to file for divorce in either the state where the service member is currently stationed, the state where the service member claims legal residency or the state in which the nonmilitary spouse resides.

How long does a military spouse have to be married to a member of the military?

The military member has performed at least 20 years of service that is creditable in determining eligibility for retired pay (the member does not have to be retired from active duty). The former spouse was married to the member during at least 20 years of the member’s retirement-creditable service.

How to file for divorce in Washington State?

General Information and Instructions about Ending Your Marriage. (If your spouse completes the Agreement to Join Petition or Service Accepted, or agrees to join the Petition by signing the agreement on the last page of the Petition, service of the Petition and Summons is not necessary.) Schedule the final hearing.

Can a dissolution of marriage be converted to a divorce?

If you initially filed for a dissolution but want to change it to a divorce case because you no longer agree on everything, you can file: If the judge grants the order and converts the case to a divorce, the case will move ahead as a divorce case. Read more about the different stages and topics in divorce cases.