Rule LFLR 21 - SIMPLE DISSOLUTION (DIVORCE) PROGRAM(a)Purpose. To facilitate early resolution of family law cases where the parties: (1) Are not represented by an attorney in the case; and(2) Are in agreement on all issues in the case or where the respondent is in default; and(3) Do not have minor children; and(4) Do not have substantial property or debt to divide between the parties; and(5) At least one party resides in King County. (b)Application. The Family Law Courthouse Facilitators and staff who provide basic services under GR 27(c)(3), authorized by RCW 26.12.24, shall determine whether or not prose litigants are eligible for the Simple Dissolution (Divorce) Program according to established program guidelines. They shall require each party, or the petitioner in cases where a default order is obtained, to complete and sign an application disclaiming any attorney-client relationship and attorney-client confidentiality as well as disclosing the character and agreed distribution of assets and liabilities.(c)Finalization. For cases eligible for the Simple Dissolution (Divorce) Program, Courthouse Family Law Facilitators and staff shall transfer the information provided on the application onto the appropriate final orders. A Facilitator Program attorney may present final orders with a completed and signed Declaration In Lieu of Formal Proof, as required by LFLR 5(b)(2)(A), to the judicial officer conducting the Status Non-Compliance Calendar or the Chief UFC Judge. Presentation of final orders shall occur pursuant to the time frame established by statute. (d)Case Schedule. Participating in the Simple Dissolution (Divorce) Program does not waive the parties' obligation to comply with the deadlines set forth in the Order Setting Domestic Case Schedule.(e)Fee. The Simple Dissolution (Divorce) Program may administer a fee for the service in compliance with King County local rules, Washington State rules and Washington law. The fee shall be waived for indigent parties.King Cnty. Sup. L. Ct. R. LFLR 21
Adopted effective 10/28/2014; Amended effective 1/27/2015;4/30/2015;9/1/2015;9/1/2018.