How important is timing such as who files first for divorce or legal separation in Washington State?
• In Washington State the party who files first is listed as the “petitioner,” the other party participates in the divorce as the “respondent.” Under Washington law, the person to file first should receive no advantage. However, the person filing first certainly has options that the other party doesn’t. For instance, the filing party can control when the first court hearing will occur and has a great influence on what issues will be addressed. The filing party is the first to be able to request “ex-parte” relief from the court and often has the option of where the case where be litigated.
