Divorce
Divorce is referred to as a "dissolution of marriage" by the Court.
If you have started a dissolution/invalidity/legal separation case and you are the victim of domestic violence, you may ask the court to enter an Order for Protection in your dissolution case. There are separate forms and instructions for requesting an Order for Protection. For more information contact a Domestic Violence Advocate or you can refer to the information and forms for a Temporary Restraining Order - Initiated in Family Law cases.
If you have not started a dissolution/invalidity/legal separation case and you are a victim of domestic violence, please see the Protection Orders section of this website.
Please consult with the Court Facilitator to ensure you:
The Clerk's staff cannot assist you or give legal advice. It is advisable you contact an attorney to assist you.
Once your matter is filed, Local Court Rule (LCR7) requires your motions and other papers to be filed with the Clerk at least 5 days prior to the day you (the moving party) desire the matter to be heard in court. This is to assist with getting your pleadings processed, forwarded to the Court file and to the Judge for review prior to your hearing.
Booklets containing forms and instructions are assembled by the Yakima County Court Facilitator. Please consult with the Facilitator to determine the correct booklet to purchase for your situation.
There are no refunds for forms or booklets!
The majority of information herein is taken from the Washington State Courts website.
It is your responsibility to check the RCWs and GRs to ensure proper legal procedures.
- Invalidity - Read the Petition for Declaration Concerning Validity of Marriage form to see if it applies to your situation. In general, the remaining forms, rules, guidelines, fees and processes are similar to those of a divorce.
- Legal Separation - Read the Petition for Legal Separation form to see how it may apply to your situation. In general, the remaining forms, rules guidelines, fees and processes are similar to those of a divorce.
Domestic Violence Protection Orders
If you have started a dissolution/invalidity/legal separation case and you are the victim of domestic violence, you may ask the court to enter an Order for Protection in your dissolution case. There are separate forms and instructions for requesting an Order for Protection. For more information contact a Domestic Violence Advocate or you can refer to the information and forms for a Temporary Restraining Order - Initiated in Family Law cases.
If you have not started a dissolution/invalidity/legal separation case and you are a victim of domestic violence, please see the Protection Orders section of this website.
Before You Start Your Case
Please consult with the Court Facilitator to ensure you:
- Are filing the correct case type and forms, and
- Are purchasing the correct forms or booklet for your situation. The Court Facilitator sells ‘booklets' which contain instructions and forms for the Family Law matters listed above.
The Clerk's staff cannot assist you or give legal advice. It is advisable you contact an attorney to assist you.
Following Filing Your Matter
Once your matter is filed, Local Court Rule (LCR7) requires your motions and other papers to be filed with the Clerk at least 5 days prior to the day you (the moving party) desire the matter to be heard in court. This is to assist with getting your pleadings processed, forwarded to the Court file and to the Judge for review prior to your hearing.
Forms & Resources
Booklets containing forms and instructions are assembled by the Yakima County Court Facilitator. Please consult with the Facilitator to determine the correct booklet to purchase for your situation.
There are no refunds for forms or booklets!
The majority of information herein is taken from the Washington State Courts website.
Revised Code of Washington (RCW) & General Rules (GR)
It is your responsibility to check the RCWs and GRs to ensure proper legal procedures.