Statutory Reference to Washington Revised Code Annotated:

Residence: § 26.09.030

Divorce: § 26.09.030

Property Division: § 26.09.080

Alimony: § 26.09.090

Custody: § 26.09.187

Visitation: § 26.09.240

Child Support: 26.19.001 et seq.

 

Residence:

The spouse filing for dissolution must be a resident of Washington or a member of the armed forces stationed in Washington.  The court will not act on the petition for divorce until 90 days after the filing of the complaint and service of the summons. 

 

Grounds:

No-fault: Irretrievable break-down of marriage after ninety days have elapsed. 

 

Distribution of Property:

Community property regime.  Each spouse retains his or her separate property, comprising: (1) all property acquired before marriage; (2) gifts and inheritances; (3) any increase in value of separate property.  The court shall divide community property in a just and equitable manner, without regard to marital conduct.  Property acquired in another state while the party lived in another state is "quasi-community property," and shall be divided as community property. 

 

Alimony/Spousal Support:

The court may award rehabilitative, periodic, or lump-sum alimony to either spouse without regard to marital fault, based on enumerated factors. 

 

Child Custody/Visitation:

Joint or sole custody shall be determined according to the best interests of the child.  Every petition for dissolution of marriage in which a minor child is involved must include a parenting plan.  The parenting plan must contain provisions for dispute resolution, a residential schedule for the child, allocation of decision-making authority. 

 

Child Support:

Child support guidelines are based on the income shares model, calculated on net income.  Support ordinarily terminates at age 18, but the court may order support beyond that age if in the best interests of the child.  The court may also make an award of support for college expenses.