Come meet with us at our new Coupeville office, located above Cedar & Salt coffee shop in Coupeville!

NEW COUPEVILLE LOCATION: 200 S Main St, Ste D, Coupeville, WA 98239

If you’re looking for a divorce attorney in Coupeville, Washington, you’re likely dealing with one of the hardest seasons of your life. At the Law Offices of Andrew F. Scott & Associates, PLLC, we represent clients throughout Island County, including Coupeville, Oak Harbor, Freeland, Langley, and Camano Island, in all types of divorce and family law matters.

This guide answers the most common questions we hear from people in Coupeville who are just starting to think about divorce.

Where Do Coupeville Divorce Cases Get Filed?

Divorce cases in Coupeville are filed at Island County Superior Court, located at 101 NE 6th Street in Coupeville. This is the courthouse that handles all family law matters for Island County, including divorce, legal separation, parenting plans, and child support.

Our main office is based in Freeland, just a short drive from the courthouse. We also have a second office location just moments away from downtown Coupeville, convenient for our Central Whidbey and Coupeville divorce clients, and Oak Harbor family law attorney requests as well. We appear in Island County Superior Court regularly and know the local judges and court procedures well.

How Does Divorce Work in Washington State?

Washington is a no-fault divorce state, which means you don’t need to prove wrongdoing to get a divorce. You simply need to state that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.” The court only needs one spouse to file the petition; it is not required that both spouses agree to get divorced.

Washington also has a 90-day waiting period from the date the divorce petition is served before a divorce can be finalized. In straightforward, uncontested cases, the process can be completed shortly after that window closes. Contested cases, aka where spouses disagree on property, children, or support, can take longer.

Is Washington a Community Property State?

Yes. Washington is one of nine community property states in the U.S. This means that most assets and debts acquired during the marriage are considered jointly owned and subject to division in divorce.

However, “community property” doesn’t automatically mean a 50/50 split. Washington courts divide property in a way that is “just and equitable” — which often is equal, but may not be depending on the circumstances. Separate property (assets you owned before marriage, or received as a gift or inheritance) is generally not subject to division, though this can become complicated over time.

Common issues we help Coupeville clients navigate include:

• Dividing real estate, including waterfront property and rural acreage
• Separating retirement accounts and military pensions
• Business interests and self-employment income
• Debts from mortgages, vehicle loans, and credit cards

What About the Family Home?

The family home is often the most significant asset in a divorce. In Island County, where property values have risen significantly in recent years, the equity in a home can be substantial.

Your options generally include:

• One spouse buys out the other, for example refinancing the mortgage in one name
• The home is sold and proceeds are divided (this is most often the easiest way to determine the value of the asset)
• One spouse keeps the home temporarily, often when minor children are involved — with a deferred sale

We help clients evaluate which option makes the most financial sense given their situation, including tax implications and the realities of the current real estate market on Whidbey Island.

Do You Handle Parenting Plans in Coupeville?

Yes. If you have minor children, your divorce must include a Parenting Plan. A Parenting Plan is a legally binding document that sets out where the children live, the visitation schedule, and how major decisions (like education and healthcare) get made.

Washington courts make parenting decisions based on the best interests of the child. Factors include each parent’s relationship with the child, stability of each home, and the child’s own needs.

We help parents in Island County create realistic, workable parenting plans. When parents can’t agree, we advocate for our clients in front of a judge.

What If My Spouse Is in the Military?

Coupeville and the surrounding area are home to many families connected to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Military divorces involve additional legal rules under federal law, including:

• The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), which can delay proceedings while a service member is on active deployment
• Division of military retired pay under the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA)
• Special considerations for military housing allowances (BAH) in calculating support

We have significant experience with military divorces in Island County and understand how to navigate both state and federal requirements. In fact, attorney Christina Elliott is an active duty Navy spouse herself!

How Much Does a Divorce Attorney Cost in Coupeville?

Divorce costs vary significantly depending on whether your case is uncontested (you and your spouse agree on everything) or contested (you disagree on one or more issues). Our area of focus is on high-stakes, contentious contested dissolutions (divorces) in Island County.

Uncontested divorces are far less expensive and can sometimes be handled for a flat fee. Contested divorces, particularly those involving children, significant assets, or a difficult opposing party, require more attorney time and carry higher costs.

We offer consultations so you can understand your options and get a realistic sense of what your case may involve before committing to anything. Call us at (360) 331-7101 or text (360) 317-2450.

Why Hire a Local Coupeville-Area Divorce Attorney?

Hiring an attorney who knows Island County Superior Court, especially the local judges, the local procedures, and the local real estate market, can make a real difference. We aren’t a large firm that treats your case as a file number. Founder Andrew Scott has over 25 years of experience in litigation, has conducted more than 75 jury trials, and his firm handles family law, criminal defense, and estate planning for the communities of Whidbey and Camano Islands.

When your family is going through something this significant, local knowledge and personal attention matter.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re considering divorce in Coupeville or anywhere in Island County, we’re here to help you understand your rights and your options.

The main office of Andrew F. Scott & Associates, PLLC is located at 5548 S Myrtle Ave, Suite 201, Freeland, WA 98249 Phone: (360) 331-7101 Text: (360) 317-2450 Email: attorneys@whidbey.com Contact us online or text us at

Visit our second office at 200 S Main St, Ste D, Coupeville, WA 98239, right above the popular Cedar & Salt coffee shop!

The information on this page is for general educational purposes and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different — please contact us for advice specific to your situation.