Articles

Property Division in Washington

Property is divided in a just and equitable manner in the state of Washington. There are many factors that come into play. Parties often equate a just and equitable division with an equal division. This is wrong. Courts have a great deal of latitude in interpreting what a “just and equitable” division of property is. Important factors are, but are not limited to:

• The length of the marriage
• The parties’ ages
• The parties’ health
• The parties’ economic circumstances
• Children of the marriage
• A party’s work history
• A party’s contributions to the relationship

Unless one has a great deal of experience in the dissolution area, one cannot properly assess parties stand. Divorce is the primary focus of this firm. You can and should therefore be able to better understand what you’re facing after consulting with one of our attorneys.

Community and Separate Property

Community property is generally defined as property which was acquired during the marital relationship, primarily through wages and earnings. Community property may also be a party’s separate property that was converted by titling, such as placing the other on an account or on title to real estate. Separate property also comes into play through an inheritance or gifts. In a short-term marriage, the Court will try to retain for a party their separate property. In a long-term marriage, the Court often tends to disregard separate property and treats all property as if it were community property. In a median-range marriage, defined as somewhere between 5 and 15 years, Courts approach a division of property on a case-by-case basis.

Maintenance

Courts can also award spousal maintenance in a divorce action. An award of spousal maintenance should be without respect to gender and is generally based on need and ability to pay. Courts also consider the length of the marriage; children to take care of; the parties’ lifestyle, a party’s work history; age of the parties; a party’s health and a party’s capability. There are other factors the Court considers.

What’s It All About

Generally speaking, the Court grants dissolution proceedings without regard to a party’s misconduct. Misconduct is interpreted to be, generally speaking, physical, sexual and something other than financial. Financial misconduct is always relevant.

Other Family Related Lawsuits

This office also assists clients with paternity actions, child support matters, modifications in maintenance and child support, relocation, property settlements, cohabitation agreements, prenuptial agreements, and meretricious relationships (now referred to as “intimate, committed relationships”).

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