How long does it take for my divorce to be finalized?

It depends. Your divorce case begins when you file a Petition for Divorce in your county’s superior court. The divorce statute (RCW 26.09.030) provides that the earliest your divorce can be finalized is after ninety (90) days have passed. So, the 91st day after you file your divorce petition, you can be divorced.  Think of this time requirement as a “cooling off” period.

But it doesn’t always work out that way. If your final divorce documents are agreed upon (and signed by both parties), or your ex did not respond after being properly served, you can finalize your divorce as soon as the 91st day after filing. However, there will likely be issues that are contested.  This means the court will need to make the decision on these issues.  And that typically means a trial. Setting a trial date can take anywhere from 3-9 months.

If you have any additional questions about divorce timelines, or the divorce process, give us a call at 360-695-3695.