What is the difference between annulment, divorce and legal separation?

Annulment is a court-ordered dissolution of an invalid marriage. Technically called a "Decree of Invalidity," it nullifies a marriage from its inception and is granted in situations where no valid marriage exists because of some legal defect.

A separation may be formalized with "Decree of Legal Separation". A legal separation may be preferred to a dissolution for religious, economic or other reasons. A couple may decide to live apart while attempting to save a faltering relationship, or the separation may be an interim step toward termination of the marriage.

Oral or written understandings concerning property disposition, arrangements for children, maintenance, or other agreements made while separated may become part of a dissolution proceeding. A legal separation may be converted to a dissolution of marriage after six (6) months.

If a marriage falls apart and is considered "irretrievably broken," one or both partners may seek a divorce, or dissolution of marriage as it is called in Washington State, of the relationship. This court proceeding legally terminates a marriage, and makes provisions for the parenting of minor children, family support, and division of property and liabilities.

Unlike a legal separation, a dissolution allows you to remarry.

In Washington, a spouse does not have to prove wrongdoing to obtain a dissolution. This no-fault system is intended to help spouses settle matters without unnecessary bitterness or resentment.

Both a legal separation and dissolution result in the division and allocation of marital property and debts. If you have children, you will also enter a Parenting Plan and an Order of Child Support for either legal action.