Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

Divorce on Grounds of Abandonment..

How easy is it to get a divorce because of abandonment?? My husband abandoned me and our 9 yr old son in 2005. He has had no contact with us since he left, nor has he helped us financially. I have no idea where he is. He is a legal resident from Mexico. He put me into credit card debt and has financially ruined me.. I live paycheck to paycheck and haven't had enough money to hire an attorney. Would it cost alot of money to divorce him? Is this something I should do on my own or should I hire an attorney? How long would/could it take to finalize the divorce? What steps do I need to take to get things going to divorce him? Thank you!!


Asked on 1/25/09, 12:48 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Christopher Steuart IT Forensics, Inc.

Re: Divorce on Grounds of Abandonment..

There is only one basis for dissolution of marriage in the State of Washington, that one or both of the parties to the marriage assert that it is "irretrievably broken." If you can assert that you can get divorce. It would be slightly more complex than a divorce where you know where the other party is and can get them served. From the filing or date of service (I am anticipating by publication) which ever is later, you will have to wait 91 days to do presentation of final documents. You probably should hire an attorney if you want it done right, but you can do it yourself.

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Answered on 1/25/09, 12:55 am


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