What if one spouse has never lived in Washington State?
• In order for the Washington State court to make certain types of orders, Washington must have personal jurisdiction over the responding spouse (the one who did not file the dissolution). • Washington State generally will have jurisdiction over the respondent if: • The respondent lives in Washington State; • The respondent lived in Washington State at some point during your marriage; • One of your children was conceived in Washington State; • You (the petitioner) have continued to live, or be stationed in the armed forces, in Washington State. • If you are the responding spouse and you have never lived in Washington State, Washington State will not have personal jurisdiction over you unless you do something to give Washington State jurisdiction over you. If Washington State does not have personal jurisdiction over the responding spouse, the Washington State court cannot order that spouse to pay maintenance or any debts, or divide any property that is not physically in Washington State
Related Questions
- Except for the past couple of years, I lived in Michigan my entire life. Shouldn I (and/or my children and spouse) still be considered a resident?
- Family law FAQ #11 - Can I apply for a divorce even though I have not lived physically apart from my spouse for the twelve month period?
- What if one spouse has never lived in Washington State?