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.
If you are a resident of Wahkiakum County and are looking for a way to legally separate from your spouse without a court appearance, you have that option available to you. When it comes to legal separation versus divorce, there are several differences to consider.
In a divorce, the court dissolves your marriage. This means that you are no longer legally married to your spouse. The court also divides your property and debts, including assets such as homes, vehicles, and bank accounts, as well as liabilities like credit card debt and loans. In addition, child residency and support are established, meaning that the court will determine where your children will live and how much child support must be paid. Other issues, such as alimony/maintenance and restraining orders, may also be ruled on.
In a legal separation, the court does everything that it would do in a divorce, except that your marriage is not dissolved. This means that you and your spouse are still legally married, but your finances are separated. This can be beneficial if you have concerns about your spouse incurring debt after the separation that you don't want to be responsible for. Additionally, one of you will be required to pay child support for any dependent children of the marriage.
If you are considering legal separation, it's important to understand that this option may not be for everyone. For example, if you are against getting a divorce due to religious reasons, legal separation may be a preferred option. It's important to consult with a legal expert to determine which option is best for your specific situation.
After you and your spouse have filed the necessary paperwork for legal separation, the court will review the documents. If both parties are in agreement and the paperwork is in order, the court can then sign the decree of legal separation. This means that the separation becomes official and legally binding. It's important to note that if the paperwork is not in order or if there are disagreements between the parties, the process may take longer and require additional steps.
Your legal separation will continue until one of the following occurs: either you or your spouse converts it into a divorce, the petitioner dismisses it, or one of you passes away. It's important to note that the legal separation cannot be converted into a divorce until six months have passed since the date of signing the decree of legal separation.
We understand that the process of using the kit might be challenging at times. Therefore, we offer an optional full service that you may upgrade to if needed. In case you decide to do so, we would be happy to 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.