Washington is one of nine states that handles property division issues somewhat differently than the other 43 states when it comes to divorce. These nine states are governed by community property division laws, meaning all community property gained during the marriage is owned equally by both spouses, subject to equal division in divorce. For some, this creates tremendous concern regarding their retirement plans.
Equitable division not an option in Washington
One of the most common sources of contention in the divorce process has to do with property distribution. Washington spouses often fight over who gets the house, the boat, the vacation time-share and any number of other big-ticket items, as well as minor assets that are more sentimental in value rather than monetary. Something every person considering divorce in this state should know is that the concept of equitable division does not apply here.
