Legal Question in Family Law in California

Can a Divorce initiated in Oregon be transferred for completion to Washington

We were married in Reno,Nv. accumulated multiple properties in Ca. where we resided, then due to extreme sexual,physical,emotional abuse I moved to Or. and filed for a legal separation and restraining order. That was 23 years ago.I have been very terrified of him all of these years. Meanwhile he won custody of our three children at an ex-parte hearing while I was hospitalized from serious rib fractures.He lied to the Judge about his assets etc. and won child support from me. He forced my youngest son to work for him in a drug and gang infested area where he was violently murdered. Now I live in Wa. and have discovered that all of his properties are now listed in Ca. his name as a single man etc. there is over $500,000.00 worth of assets. Can I transfer the original petition for separation here to Wa. and get legal representation?


Asked on 10/14/03, 2:36 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
PATRICK MCCRARY PATRICK MCCRARY

Re: Can a Divorce initiated in Oregon be transferred for completion to Washingto

A legal separation is a different action than a dissolution. Therefore, you may start the dissolution in the state in which you reside or the state in which he resides. Since the The state of Washington does not have direct jurisdiction over the real property you would be better off filing for dissolution in your husband's state and county, California. They will have jurisdiction over the property and you will be able to tie up the property so that it cannot be transferred until the legal issues are decided. Also, should you obtain a judgment in Washington you would then need to hire an attorney in California to enforce your Washington judgment. Good Luck, Pat McCrary

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Answered on 10/14/03, 11:12 am


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