Introduction

Chapter One: Getting Started and Getting Organized

Can We Really Do This Without A Lawyer?
Taking An Inventory: How Complex is This?
Being Your Own Legal Assistant
The Dissolution Process
Attorneys

Chapter Two: A Basic Understanding of Dissolution Concepts

Dissolution Generally
    Laws
   Courts
   Residency & 90 Day Requirement
   Grounds for Dissolution
Property 101
    Defining Community Property
   Defining Separate Property
   Property Division
   Overview
   Property Capable of Division
   Property Incapable of Division
   Specific Property Assets
   Family Home: Upon Separation
   Family Home: Upon Dissolution
   Stock Option and Profit Sharing Plans
   Retirement and Pension Plans
   Disability Benefits
   Military Retirement and Disability Benefits
   Federal Employee Benefits
   Miscellaneous Assets
Allocating Debt
Spousal Agreements and Prenuptial Agreements
Maintenance
Parenting Plans
Child Support
Conclusion

Chapter Three: Summons, Petition and Confidential Information Form

Overview
The Form: Summons
The Form: Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
Drafting Your Petition
    Section 1.1 Identification of Petitioner
    Section 1.2 Identification of Respondent
    Section 1.3 Child of the Marriage Dependent Upon Either or Both Spouse
    Section 1.4 Allegation Regarding Marriage
    Section 1.5 Date and Place of Marriage
    Section 1.6 Separation
    Section 1.7 Jurisdiction
    Section 1.8 Property
    Section 1.9 Debts and Liabilities
    Section 1.10 Spousal Maintenance
    Section 1.11 Continuing Restraining Order
    Section 1.12 Pregnancy
    Section 1.13 Jurisdiction over the Children
    Section 1.14 Child Support and Parenting Plan for Dependent Children
    Summary of Relief Requested
    Joinder
The Form: Confidential Information Form
Conclusion

Chapter Four: Use Your 90 Days Effectively

Filing the Case
Serving the Respondent
Temporary Relief
Courthouse Facilitators
Default
Mediation
Conclusion

Chapter Five: Findings of Fact & Conclusions of Law and Decree of Dissolution

Overview
The Form: Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law
  Drafting Your Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law
    Section I Basis for Findings
    Section II Findings of Fact
    Section 2.1 Residency of Petitioner
    Section 2.2 Notice to the Respondent
    Section 2.3 Basis of Personal Jurisdiction over the Respondent
    Section 2.4 Date and Place of Marriage
    Section 2.5 Status of the Parties
    Section 2.6 Status of the Marriage
    Section 2.7 Separation Contract or Prenuptial Agreement
    Section 2.8 Community Property
    Section 2.9 Separate Property
    Section 2.10 Community Liabilities
    Section 2.11 Separate Liabilities
    Section 2.12 Maintenance
    Section 2.13 Continuing Restraining Order
    Section 2.14 Fees and Costs
    Section 2.15 Pregnancy
    Section 2.16 Dependent Children
    Section 2.17 Jurisdiction over the Children
    Section 2.18 Parenting Plan
    Section 2.19 Child Support
    Section 2.20 Other
    Section III Conclusions of Law
    Section 3.1 Jurisdiction
    Section 3.2 Granting of a Decree
    Section 3.3 Disposition
    Section 3.4 Continuing Restraining Order
    Section 3.5 Attorney's Fees and Costs
    Section 3.6 Other
The Form: Decree of Dissolution
  Drafting Your Decree of Dissolution
    Section I Judgment/Order Summaries
    Section 1.1 Restraining Order Summary
    Section 1.2 Real Property Summary
    Section 1.3 Money Judgment Summary
    Section 3.1 Status of the Marriage
    Sections 3.2 & 3.3 Property Awarded to the Husband/Property Awarded to the Wife
    Sections 3.4 & 3.5 Liabilities
    Section 3.6 Hold Harmless Provision
    Section 3.7 Spousal Maintenance
    Section 3.8 Continuing Restraining Order
    Section 3.9 Jurisdiction Over The Children
    Section 3.10 Parenting Plan
    Section 3.11 Child Support
    Section 3.12 Attorney's fees, other professional fees and costs
    Section 3.13 Name Changes
    Section 3.14 Other
Conclusion

Chapter Six: Parenting Plan

Overview
The Form
   Drafting your Parenting Plan
    Section One General Information
    Section Two Basis for Restrictions
    Section Three Residential Schedule
      Section 3.1 Schedule for Children Under School Age
      Section 3.2 School Schedule
      Section 3.3 Schedule for Winter Vacation
      Section 3.4 Schedule for Other School Breaks
      Section 3.5 Summer Schedule
      Section 3.6 Vacation with Parents
      Section 3.7 Schedule for Holidays
      Section 3.8 Schedule for Special Occasions
      Section 3.9 Priorities Under the Residential Schedule
      Section 3.10 Restrictions
      Section 3.11 Transportation Arrangements
      Section 3.12 Designation of Custodian
      Section 3.13 Other
      Section 3.14 Summary of RCW 26.09.430 - .480, Regarding Relocation of a Child
   Section Four Decision Making
      Section 4.1 Day-to-Day Decisions
      Section 4.2 Major Decisions
      Section 4.3 Restrictions
   Section Five Dispute Resolution Process
   Section Six Other Provisions
   Section Seven Declaration
Conclusion

Chapter Seven: Child Support

Overview
   Sealed Financial Source Cover Sheet
   Child Support Worksheet
The Form: Order of Child Support
   Drafting Your Order Of Child Support
    Section One Judgment Summary
    Section Two Basis
    Section 2.1 Type of Proceeding
    Section 2.2 Child Support Worksheet
    Section Three Findings and Order
    Section 3.1 Children for whom Support is Required
    Section 3.2 Person Paying Support (Obligor)
    Section 3.3 Person Receiving Support (Obligee)
    Section 3.4 Service of Process
    Section 3.5 Transfer Payment
    Section 3.6 Standard Calculation
    Section 3.7 Reasons for Deviation from Standard Calculation
    Section 3.8 Reasons Why Request for Deviation Was Denied
    Section 3.9 Starting Date and Day to be Paid
    Section 3.10 Incremental Payments
    Section 3.11 How Support Payments Shall Be Made
    Section 3.12 Wage Withholding Action
    Section 3.13 Termination of Support
    Section 3.14 Post Secondary Educational Support
    Section 3.15 Payment to Third Parties for Expenses not included in the Transfer Payment
    Section 3.16 Periodic Adjustment
    Section 3.17 Income Tax Exemptions
    Section 3.18 Medical Insurance
    Section 3.19 Extraordinary Health Care Expenses
    Sections 3.20 & 3.21 Back Child Support & Back Interest
    Section 3.22 Other
Conclusion

Chapter Eight: Dissolving Your Marriage

Notice for Dissolution Calendar for Entry of Final Orders
Agreed Orders Checklist
Your Day in Court