If you are a service member stationed at a military base in the state of Washington, your divorce can be heard in a Washington State court, but if you or your spouse are a resident of a different state your case can be filed in that other State.
State courts must have “jurisdiction” over the parties before a divorce case can go forward. The Petitioner in a divorce action must be a resident in the State in which the divorce is filed, unless the State has a special exception for service members stationed in the state.
Your divorce can be heard in Washington State, if either party in the case is one of the following:
1. A resident of Washington
2. A service member stationed in Washington
3. Married to someone who is a resident.