Washington State Community Property in Divorce
Married, will divorce. Separation occurred two years ago.
When does the "community" end? Upon date of separation, or a legal separation itself?
If date of separation, what documentation is needed to prove? Rental agreement, separate home purchase?
Thank you,
Re: Washington State Community Property in Divorce
Washington law gives a trial court broad discretion in setting a valuation date for the marital estate. See, e.g., Lucker v. Lucker, 71 Wn.2d 165, 167-68, 426 P.2d 981 (1967); Koher v. Morgan, 93 Wn. App. 398, 404, 968 P.2d 920 (1998). You (and your lawyer) will make the best case you can for a particular date, based upon your representations about when the marriage truly ended and whatever evidence you have to support that claim.