Divorce is the term commonly used to describe the end of a marriage. Dissolution of Marriage is the legal term used to describe the end of a marriage as set forth in Revised Code of Washington Chapter 26.09. In the State of Washington, you can "dissolve" a marriage recognized by any other State in the United States or in any country in the world. In the ever evolving state of the law, Washington state does not recognize common law marriages, however, we will dissolve a common law marriage that may have been recognized in another State under another State's laws. Similarly, some countries do not recognize divorce, but, if you were legally married in another country, and you reside in the State of Washington, you may obtain a divorce in Washington that is recognized in Washington State and in any State which subscribes to the Uniform Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act. Similarly, if you want your divorce recognized by a Foreign Country, that country must have a treaty with the United States agreeing to recognize our divorce laws.
There are essentially two broad issues involved in the dissolution of any marriage. One issue is financial, the other issue is personal. Financial issues involve how property will be divided, how debt will be divided, and whether one spouse must financially assist another spouse through spousal maintenance or alimony for a time until that spouse is able or should be able to support themselves. The personal issue involves care of the other members of the family, specifically child custody and child support. and may also involve counseling requirements.
Tsai Law Company, PLLC
2101 4th Avenue Suite 1560
Seattle, WA 98121
1-425-DIVORCE (348-6723)
Email:
support@TLClawco.com
Washington must have jurisdiction
over the parties, or the marriage to dissolve the
marriage. There are two kinds of jurisdiction,
personal jurisdiction and subject matter jurisdiction.
At the most basic level, the court must have subject
matter jurisdiction over the marriage to dissolve the
marriage. The court must also have personal
jurisdiction over at least one party to dissolve the
marriage. If either jurisdictional requirement is not
present, the court cannot legally dissolve the marriage.
