Division of Property

When it comes to property distribution in a divorce, the state of Washington belongs to so-called community property states.

This model implies that almost all the property purchased by either spouse during a marriage is considered to be common, i.e., marital property. Marital property, in turn, is subject to equal division between the parties, regardless of which spouse has made a more significant contribution to the costs and services associated with the property.

Separate property of each party is typically not subject to division. Separate property includes anything each party acquired before the marriage, as well as any personal gifts and inheritances received during the marriage.