Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

Re: Resident to file?

If there are children involved you have to live here for six months or the court's jurisdiction is limited, and the other state likely retains jurisdiction.

If there are no children involved, there is no waiting period. You have to establish residency - that you live here, have a drivers license, have utility bills, a job, etc. but there is no "waiting period".

However, WA is a community property state and half (or thereabouts) of what you think you own is actually your spouse's property.

The WA court has no JD over property owned by your spouse in other states unless and until your spouse consents to JD.

JD is acquired by personal service of the summons and petition for dissolution. If your spouse is elsewhere, they can claim that this is a forum non conveniens.

You'd probably do well to at least spend an hour on a consult with a local attorney who does family law.

There are lots of good ones, but not necessarily the ones who you are going to find on an internet search (those are paid spots).

Call if you want a referral to seattle counsel.

Hope this helps. Powell