Getting divorced can be a frustrating and emotional process and working through many details over a significant amount of time can make it even more challenging.
However, having an idea of what you can expect getting started can make a significant difference. Checking each item off your to-do list and knowing how far along in the complete process you are helps you to feel more accomplished and in control of the situation.
Here are some of the most important things to know about what the divorce process typically looks like in Washington, as well as specific local policies and other factors that may impact the amount of time that you can expect the divorce process to take.
How Long Does a Divorce Take in Washington?
A divorce in Washington takes at least 91 days. Washington has a 90-day cooling-off period. This is in place to prevent people from getting quick divorces when emotions take over. The average divorce in Washington state is about one (1) year.
For legal guidance on divorce timelines, contact our divorce attorneys.
Typical Time It Takes to Finalize a Divorce in Washington
While many factors can impact the amount of time that your divorce will take, most divorce processes fall between six months and one year in Washington. Here are some of the most important steps of the process to be aware of, as well as how long each step typically takes.
Mandatory Waiting Period
Getting divorced is a major decision that is both highly emotional and difficult to undo if you and your partner later regret your decision, which means that any credible legal team will require a specific period to be certain that you are absolutely sure of your decision before your divorce can be finalized. Many couples consider divorce in the heat of an argument and realize that it is the last thing they want a few days or weeks later. Mandatory waiting periods aim to give you and your spouse plenty of time to think through your decision to eliminate instances of making the wrong choice too quickly. The 90-day waiting period begins when your spouse is, or you are, served with divorce papers, regardless of how long after filing for divorce this occurs.
Washington’s mandatory waiting period is 90 days. While this can feel frustrating when you are in the midst of dealing with the emotional impact of working through your divorce and simply want to move on with your life, it is important to keep in mind that the benefits of taking time to make sure that you actually want to go through with your divorce far outweigh the inconvenience of waiting a few extra months for your life to improve. Washington’s 90-day minimum waiting period is also much shorter than some of the times that are required in certain other states. This policy means that 91 days is the bare minimum length of time that finalizing a divorce can take in Washington, but the complexity of the process means that finalizing your divorce in 91 days rarely actually happens.
Average Timeline for Finalizing a Divorce in Washington
While every divorce is unique and not all steps that could be involved are always needed, there are several general aspects that play a role in most divorce processes. Some key processes that will likely impact your overall timeline from deciding to get divorced to finalizing your divorce include:
- Pre-filing (typically a few weeks), which involves taking time to make sure that you want to file for divorce and are ready to do so and getting your file ready by working through the details with a divorce attorney.
- Filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, which generally takes a few days to complete and file.
- A minimum 90-day waiting period before final orders can be entered.
- A maximum of 20-90 days to respond to the petition, depending on the specific method in which it was served.
- Contesting the divorce (if needed), which typically takes a minimum of six months and can extend for several years if your situation is particularly complex.
- Temporary orders (a few weeks) while you and your spouse are working out the last details.
- Your final hearing to finalize your divorce, which may take less than a day for agreed orders and up to a couple of weeks depending on the court and the attorneys’ availability.
Factors That May Impact the Amount of Time From Filing for Divorce to Finalizing Your Divorce
Every divorce is different, but there are several factors that typically impact the amount of time you can expect finalizing your divorce to take. Here are some of the most important things to consider when it comes to determining how long your full divorce process is likely to take.
Dividing Your Assets and Liabilities
Couples with significantly more money, property, credit card debt, or similar factors than average will likely need more time to determine how they should be divided than couples with less to consider. While making as many of these decisions as you can without legal assistance can be a helpful step in shortening the process, these more complex situations typically require a higher amount of regulation throughout the process to make sure that decisions are made as fairly as possible.
Determining Custody Based on the Best Interest of Your Children
Having children will naturally make your divorce process more complex and potentially somewhat longer than it would be if you and your spouse were the only ones involved because it takes time to determine where your children will be the safest, have the best chance to thrive and the residential schedule, or visitation, that is best for them. Your family law attorney will need time to consider every aspect of what your children’s current living situation looks like and specific positive and negative ways in which it will change if they ultimately end up living with one parent more than the other. It is important to keep in mind that your children are not property to automatically be divided equally, and the court and your family law team will ultimately give creating the best possible outcome for them priority over the wishes of either parent.
Determining who is most capable of caring for your children can be challenging, especially if both parents are attempting to obtain full custody. Your family law team will want to go over every detail of what their living situation will look like before making a final decision to reduce the impact of your divorce on your children’s lives and make sure that they will be safe in the home they end up living in. Determining whether sole or shared custody is likely to be a better fit for your children can also take time because most family law experts still want to create a situation where children can reasonably maintain a relationship with both parents, even if one is not a suitable living option.
Managing Spousal Maintenance
Spousal support, or alimony, is often one of the most contested issues in a divorce and can significantly impact the timeline of your case. Unlike child support, which follows set guidelines, spousal maintenance is determined based on factors such as income disparity, financial need, and the length of the marriage. If one spouse has little to no income, significant medical expenses, or other financial hardships, support may be necessary to ensure a fair transition post-divorce. Because every case is unique, negotiating the amount and duration of spousal maintenance requires careful consideration—and having an experienced attorney can help protect your interests throughout this process.
Contested Vs. Uncontested Divorce
Divorce is never easy, and while minimizing conflict can help the process move more smoothly, disputes are almost inevitable. Dividing assets, property, and finances often becomes complicated—especially when emotions are involved, financial contributions are unequal, or sentimental items are at stake. Even in cases where both parties are willing to negotiate, legal guidance is essential to ensure your rights are protected and avoid costly mistakes. If an agreement cannot be reached, your attorney will advocate for you in court to help secure a fair outcome.
Your Ability to Cooperate With Your Spouse to Quickly Resolve Disputes
Divorces can go more smoothly when both individuals are capable of holding civil conversations and figuring out compromises on their own without being told what to do. While an uncontested divorce is the fastest option, even a contested divorce can be resolved more efficiently if both parties focus on productive discussions rather than unnecessary conflict. Setting aside frustrations and avoiding battles over insignificant matters can help prevent delays and keep the process moving forward.
Your Divorce Attorney’s Expertise
Choosing the right divorce attorney can significantly impact the outcome and timeline of your case. An experienced attorney knows the right questions to ask and provides strategic guidance to navigate complex situations efficiently. While any attorney can guide you through the process, Bliss Law Group’s extensive experience handling a wide range of divorce cases in Washington can help you reach a resolution as quickly and smoothly as possible.
Choose Bliss Law Group to Simplify Your Divorce Process in Washington
At Bliss Law Group, we know that working through even the smoothest (can we choose a diferent word – we have used this word in almost every paragraph) divorce can be stressful. Our experienced legal team can make all the difference when it comes to moving toward finalizing your divorce. Working with us throughout the process can go a long way toward helping you resolve conflicts and move on with your life more quickly than you might by choosing a less experienced divorce attorney. ( I just don’t like this sentence – but I don’t know how to fix it right now.) I will put it into AI – but I think I am done for the day.
Contact our divorce attorneys today to learn more about the benefits of having us handle your divorce in Washington and to get started.
