Depending on the circumstances your divorce can be finalized without a court hearing. The most common way to finalize a divorce without a hearing in Washington is to file by mail.
Both Lincoln and Wahkiakum County process divorce by mail and finalize the case without a hearing. When you file by mail the clerk’s office will send you a letter with a case number and finalization date. That finalization date is the date that your forms will be reviewed by the court and signed. There is no formal hearing and you do not need to appear in person.
A divorce can also be finalized in ex-parte court. In family law cases, attorneys can bring agreed paperwork to ex-parte court for approval without setting a hearing date. Similarly, if you filed for divorce and your spouse refused to participate, you can request a default and an ex-parte judge can approve your divorce without a hearing.