Best Divorce Lawyers Port Orchard, WA

Port Orchard, WA Divorce FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Port Orchard, Washington?

  The phone number of the Port Orchard Police Department is 360-876-1700.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Port Orchard, Washington?

  To request a copy of an incident report, please use the Public Records Center online portal: https://kitsapcountywa.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(5igd1dpilxyn003ftg43wbta))/supporthome.aspx. If the Port Orchard Police Department created the report, you may also give them a call.

• What is the mandatory waiting period for Port Orchard divorces?

  After couples in Port Orchard have filed their divorce papers, they are required to wait at least 90 days before the court officially dissolves their marriage. This mandatory waiting period throughout Washington state allows spouses to “cool off,” reconsider their decisions, and give them another chance to reconcile rather than move ahead with the divorce.

• What do you do if you want your Port Orchard divorce to be expedited?

  If you or your spouse live in places other than Port Orchard, you can research their residency requirements. Nevada and other states have shorter waiting periods for people who want “quickie” divorces, but the court will reject your case if you do not meet the requirements for these states.

• How is a legal separation similar and different from a divorce in Port Orchard?

  Couples in Port Orchard who opt for legal separation can get similar results in terms of how child custody, child support, and alimony are awarded and assets and liabilities divided. However, they remain married at the end of a legal separation. Either spouse may apply for a divorce six months after the decree has been entered with the Superior Court.

• Where can low-income persons get legal aid for a Port Orchard divorce?

  Low-income individuals in Port Orchard may seek assistance from nonprofit organizations like Kitsap Legal Services. Its team of volunteer lawyers and paralegals assist with divorce cases and pertinent issues like domestic violence, spousal and child support, and child custody or parenting plans. If you wish to advocate for your case, the Washington Law Help website provides resources about court procedures and civil law. Even if you are granted an appointment with a volunteer attorney, it would also be good to educate yourself.

• Who gets custody of pets in a Port Orchard divorce?

  It depends. Courts in Port Orchard and Washington consider a pet obtained during the marriage as a “community asset,” which gives both parties rights to it. The judge will consider various factors, such as the expenses each spouse has invested in the pet. Parents who got custody of the kids may also get the pet, particularly if it is hard for the children to part with it. Splitting pet custody is an out-of-court option agreeable parties may consider.