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Your divorce is final when the judge in your case signs the final decision and the clerk files the signed decision. However, it is important to understand that even then, your spouse could file an appeal, request a new trial, or otherwise continue the divorce process further.
Before the judge signs his or her final decision, you must petition the court to end your marriage and your spouse must be served divorce papers. You must also divide your property and decide on important issues including: debts, assets, child custody, child visitation, child support, and alimony. You may accomplish this through mediation, divorce collaboration, or a settlement. If you are unable to settle these issues out of court, you will go to trial.
How long does it take to finalize a divorce? The answer to that question depends heavily on the details of your case. How complicated are your finances? Do you have children? How long have you been married? Are you likely to fight over property? Is there domestic abuse involved? Do both of you wish to be divorced? Will you need to go to trial? While a Washington State divorce can take as little as 90 days, many divorces take more time than that because of the above issues.
An experienced and knowledgeable Seattle divorce attorney could make your divorce go as quickly as possible considering the details of your case. If you would like to speak with a Washington family lawyer, call the Law Offices of Molly B. Kenny today at 425-460-0550.