2005 Washington Revised Code RCW 26.09.010: Civil practice to govern — Designation of proceedings — Decrees.

(1) Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, the practice in civil action shall govern all proceedings under this chapter, except that trial by jury is dispensed with.

     (2) A proceeding for dissolution of marriage, legal separation or a declaration concerning the validity of a marriage shall be entitled "In re the marriage of . . . . . . and . . . . . ." Such proceeding may be filed in the superior court of the county where the petitioner resides.

     (3) In cases where there has been no prior proceeding in this state involving the marital status of the parties or support obligations for a minor child, a separate parenting and support proceeding between the parents shall be entitled "In re the parenting and support of . . . . . ."

     (4) The initial pleading in all proceedings under this chapter shall be denominated a petition. A responsive pleading shall be denominated a response. Other pleadings, and all pleadings in other matters under this chapter shall be denominated as provided in the civil rules for superior court.

     (5) In this chapter, "decree" includes "judgment".

     (6) A decree of dissolution, of legal separation, or a declaration concerning the validity of a marriage shall not be awarded to one of the parties, but shall provide that it affects the status previously existing between the parties in the manner decreed.

[1989 c 375 § 1; 1987 c 460 § 1; 1975 c 32 § 1; 1973 1st ex.s. c 157 § 1.]