Property Division

In Washington, all assets – real and personal property, tangible and intangible, are available for distribution.  As a community-property state, Washington laws provide for a “just and equitable" division of property acquired during the marriage.  This does not necessarily require an equal division.

If the husband and wife negotiate an agreement, the court will usually approve it.  If no settlement is reached, the court will divide the property.  Property agreements are binding and generally cannot be modified.  In deciding who gets what, the court may consider: - nature and extent of community property - nature and extent of separate property - duration of the marriage - general financial position of the parties - if one or both of the parties will pay the debts - special needs and circumstances.

A provision of Washington law addresses whether a parent should be able to continue living in the family home so that the children do not have to be moved.

Divorce FAQ's