Divorce without the process of divorce; is it possible to obtain a dissolution after 15 years?
<p>Suppose a couple eloped to Idaho in 2008. They have not seen each other since 2009. Suppose that one lives in Washington and then other lives in Colorado.</p>
<p>Is there a way for such a couple to get a dissolution of marriage without going through the divorce process?</p>
<p>Suppose further that there is one common child involved. Suppose further  that he is 14 years old.</p>
<p>Suppose further that there was a no-contact order in effect  from 2009 to 2019 because of an assault by one member of the couple on the other, and the child.</p>

<p>The party who lives in Washington can petition dissolution under <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=26.09&amp;full=true" rel="nofollow noreferrer">this chapter</a>. It does not matter where they were married or lived, what just matters that the party filing the petition lives in Washington. Having a child is not a bar to dissolution. That much is extremely simple. If the two parties cannot agree to the dissolution and to the child-custody plan, lawyers would be involved to reach an agreement.</p>
<p>It is worth noting that for 50 years, divorce has been replaced in Washington with dissolution. It is also worth noting that there is an alternative path which may be more efficiency, namely legal separation. The primary downside of a separation is that it is a bar to re-marriage (you are still married). But, under RCW 26.09.150</p>
<blockquote>
<p>No earlier than six months after entry of a decree of legal
separation, on motion of either party, the court shall convert the
decree of legal separation to a decree of dissolution of marriage or
domestic partnership.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>This is a matter of right that cannot be objected to.</p>

divorce