Washington § 26.09.020 - Petition — Dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership, legal separation, or for a declaration concerning validity of marriage or domestic partnership — Contents — Parties — Certificate.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 26.09.020 — Petition — Dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership, legal separation, or for a declaration concerning validity of marriage or domestic partnership — Contents — Parties — Certificate., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 26.09.020. Petition — Dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership, legal separation, or for a declaration concerning validity of marriage or domestic partnership — Contents — Parties — Certificate.

(1) A petition in a proceeding for dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership, legal separation, or for a declaration concerning the validity of a marriage or domestic partnership shall allege:

(a) The last known state of residence of each party, and if a party's last known state of residence is Washington, the last known county of residence;

(b) The date and place of the marriage or, for domestic partnerships, the date of registration, and place of residence when the domestic partnership was registered;

(d) The names and ages of any child dependent upon either or both spouses or either or both domestic partners and whether the wife or domestic partner is pregnant;

(e) Any arrangements as to the residential schedule of, decision making for, dispute resolution for, and support of the children and the maintenance of a spouse or domestic partner;

(f) A statement specifying whether there is community or separate property owned by the parties to be disposed of;

(g) If the county has established a program under RCW 26.12.260, a statement affirming that the moving party met and conferred with the program prior to filing the petition;

(h) The relief sought.

(2) Either or both parties to the marriage or to the domestic partnership may initiate the proceeding.

(3) The petitioner shall complete and file with the petition a certificate under RCW 43.70.150 on the form provided by the department of health and the confidential information form under RCW 26.23.050.

(4) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or prohibit the ability of parties to obtain appropriate emergency orders.

[ 2008 c 6 s 1005; 2007 c 496 s 203; 2001 c 42 s 1; 1997 c 58 s 945. Prior: 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 204; 1989 c 375 s 3; 1983 1st ex.s. c 45 s 2; 1973 2nd ex.s. c 23 s 1; 1973 1st ex.s. c 157 s 2.]

Notes

Part headings not law—Severability—2008 c 6: See RCW 26.60.900 and 26.60.901.

Part headings not law—2007 c 496: See note following RCW 26.09.002.

Effective date—2001 c 42: "This act takes effect October 1, 2001." [ 2001 c 42 s 7.]

Severability—2001 c 42: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 2001 c 42 s 8.]

Short title—Part headings, captions, table of contents not law—Exemptions and waivers from federal law—Conflict with federal requirements—Severability—1997 c 58: See RCW 74.08A.900 through 74.08A.904.

Effective date—Severability—1989 1st ex.s. c 9: See RCW 43.70.910 and 43.70.920.

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 26.09.020

What does Revised Code of Washington § 26.09.020 cover?

Section 26.09.020 ("Petition — Dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership, legal separation, or for a declaration concerning validity of marriage or domestic partnership — Contents — Parties — Certificate.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 26.09.020?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 26.09.020" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 26.09.020 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Official text of § 26.09.020 at the Washington source

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.