Paralegal Service. To use our Independent Paralegal Service to have a paralegal complete all the documents necessary for a Legal Separation with no Dependent Child, please see: Legal Separation with No Dependent Child - Paralegal Service or if there are Dependent Children, see: Legal Separation with Dependent Children - Paralegal Service.
Legal separation with dependent children is a legal process that is often misunderstood. People often confuse it with divorce, but in fact, there are some significant differences between the two.
In a divorce, the marriage is dissolved, property and debts are divided, child residency and support are established, and other issues such as alimony/maintenance and restraining orders are ruled upon. On the other hand, in a legal separation, the court does the same thing except that your marriage is not dissolved. Your finances are entirely separated, and one of you pays child support for any dependent children of the marriage.
A legal separation protects your property from any debts your spouse may incur after the separation without actually getting a divorce, which is particularly important if getting a divorce goes against your religious beliefs.
Once both parties agree and the paperwork is filed, the court can sign the decree of legal separation.
Regardless of whether both parties are in agreement, one party must file the documents and appear in court with this kit.
The validity of a legal separation persists until either party converts it to a divorce, the petitioner dismisses it, or one of the parties passes away. The conversion of a legal separation to a divorce is contingent upon the passage of six months from the date of the signing of the decree of legal separation. It is important to note that until this time has elapsed, the legal separation remains in effect.
We understand that the process can be overwhelming, but with the purchase of this kit, you can be assured that you have taken the first steps towards success. However, if you do find yourself struggling, you can confidently upgrade to our full service and we will credit the cost of the kit towards the service fee.
This kit may be used for residents of the following Washington State Counties: Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Clallam, Clark, Columbia, Cowlitz, Douglas, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lewis, Lincoln, Mason, Okanogan, Pacific, Pend Oreille, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish, Spokane, Stevens, Thurston, Wahkiakum, Walla Walla, Whatcom, Whitman, Yakima
If you would like to have us complete your documents this service is available through the internet or by appointment at our Federal Way Office. All Washington residents may file their case in Lincoln or Wahkiakum County and avoid a court appearance and everything is filed through the mail. With our office appointment option we do the filing for you. With our internet option we give you detailed instructions of how and where to file. You can select from one of the links below to learn more and start the process. If you have questions during the process call us at (253) 946-0325 or click on the Live Chat button below.