What if a finding is incorrect?

If a factual finding appears unsupported, move for reconsideration or file a timely appeal where appropriate. Corrective motions or stipulated corrections may also be submitted with the court’s permission to align the record with evidence.

Can parties submit proposed findings?

Yes. Parties commonly submit proposed findings and conclusions. The court may adopt, modify, or reject proposed language; ensure proposed submissions are concise and cite evidence.

Are electronic signatures acceptable?

Electronic signatures are generally valid under federal and state e‑signature laws for many filings and consent documents, but confirm local court rules and whether the court requires wet signatures for specific filings.

Does a judge need to sign immediately?

Practices vary. Courts may enter findings after review of submissions and transcripts; consult local rules for timing and whether a written order must be issued within a specific period.

What to do about missing exhibits?

Identify missing exhibits at once and request supplementation of the record. Late exhibits may require stipulation or a motion for leave to file under local procedures.

How to record service properly?

Include a signed proof of service or certificate indicating date, method, and recipient. For electronic service, follow the court’s e‑filing service rules to establish effective notice.

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Washington Findings and Conclusions About a Marriage

Washington Findings and Conclusions About a Marriage

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Findings and Conclusions about a Marriage

Superior Court of Washington, County of

In re the marriage of:

Petitioner (person who started this case):

And Respondent (other spouse):

No.

Findings and Conclusions about a Marriage (FNFCL)

Findings and Conclusions about a Marriage

1. Basis for findings and conclusions (check all that apply):

Spouses’ agreement.

Order on Motion for Default (date):

Court hearing on (date): , where the following people were present (check all that apply):

Petitioner

Petitioner’s lawyer

Respondent

Respondent’s lawyer

Other (name and relationship to this case):

The Court makes the following findings of fact and conclusions of law:

2. Notice (check all that apply):

The Respondent has appeared in this case, or has responded to or joined the Petition.

The Respondent was served on (date):

in person.

by mail.

by publication.

waived service by joining the Petition.

3. Jurisdiction over the marriage and the spouses (check all that apply):

At the time the Petition was filed,

the Petitioner lived did not live in Washington State.

the Respondent lived did not live in Washington State.

The Petitioner and Respondent lived in this state while they were married, and the Petitioner still lives in this state or is stationed here as a member of the armed forces.

The Petitioner is a member of the armed forces and has been stationed here for at least 90 days.

The Petitioner and Respondent may have conceived a child together in this state.

Other (specify):

Conclusion: The court has has does not have jurisdiction over the marriage.

The court has has does not have jurisdiction over the Respondent.

4. Information about the marriage

The spouses were married on (date): at (city and state): .

Before they married, the spouses were registered domestic partners. Their domestic partnership was registered with the State of on and:

it converted into a marriage by law on June 30, 2014. (RCW 26.60.100.)

they were married on (date): at (city and state): .

5. Separation Date

The marital community ended on (date): . The parties stopped acquiring community property and incurring community debt on this date.

6. Status of the marriage

Divorce – This marriage is irretrievably broken, and it has been 90 days or longer since the Petition was filed and the Summons was served or the Respondent joined the Petition.

Legal Separation – The (check one or both): Petitioner Respondent want/s to be legally separated.

Invalidity – The (check one or both): Petitioner Respondent want/s to invalidate (annul) this marriage, and the court finds the following facts about the validity of this marriage:

Conclusion: The Petition for divorce, legal separation or invalidity (annulment) should be: approved. denied.

7. Separation Contract

There is no separation contract.

The spouses signed a separation contract on (date): .

Conclusion: The parties should (check one):

be ordered to comply with the terms of the contract.

not be ordered to comply with the terms of the contract because:

The contract provides that it shall not be set forth, filed, or made an exhibit to the order.

8. Real Property (land or home)

Neither spouse owns any real property.

The spouses’ real property is listed in Exhibit . This Exhibit is attached and made part of these Findings.

The spouses’ real property is listed in the separation contract described in 7.

The spouses’ real property is listed below:

Real Property Address

Tax Parcel Number

Community or Separate Property

community property

Petitioner’s separate property

Respondent’s separate property

community property

Petitioner’s separate property

Respondent’s separate property

community property

Petitioner’s separate property

Respondent’s separate property

The court does not have jurisdiction to divide real property.

Other (specify):

Conclusion: The division of real property described in the final order is fair (just and equitable).

9. Community Personal Property (possessions, assets or business interests of any kind)

There is no community personal property.

The community personal property has already been divided fairly between the spouses. Each spouse should keep any community personal property that s/he now has or controls.

The spouses’ community personal property is listed in Exhibit . This Exhibit is attached and made part of these Findings.

The spouses’ community personal property is listed in the separation contract described in 7.

The spouses’ community personal property is listed below.

The court does not have jurisdiction to divide property.

Other (specify):

Conclusion: The division of community personal property described in the final order is fair (just and equitable).

10. Separate Personal Property (possessions, assets or business interests of any kind)

Neither spouse has separate personal property.

The Petitioner has no separate personal property.

The Respondent has no separate personal property.

The separate personal property has already been divided fairly between the spouses. Each spouse should keep any separate property that s/he now has or controls.

The Petitioner’s separate personal property is listed in Exhibit . This Exhibit is attached and made part of these Findings.

The Respondent’s separate personal property is listed in Exhibit . This Exhibit is attached and made part of these Findings.

The spouses’ separate personal property is listed in the separation contract described in 7.

The Petitioner’s separate personal property is listed below.

The Respondent’s separate personal property is listed below.

The court does not have jurisdiction to divide property.

Other (specify):

Conclusion: The division of separate personal property described in the final order is fair (just and equitable).

11. Community Debt

There is no community debt.

The community debt has already been divided fairly between the spouses.

The spouses’ community debt is listed in Exhibit . This Exhibit is attached and made part of these Findings.

The spouses’ community debt is listed in the separation contract described in 7.

The spouses’ community debt is listed below:

Debt Amount	Creditor (person or company owed this debt)	Account Number (last 4 digits only)
$
$
$
$

The court does not have jurisdiction to divide debt.

Other (specify):

Conclusion: The division of community debt described in the final order is fair (just and equitable).

12. Separate Debt

Neither spouse has separate debt.

The Petitioner has no separate debt.

The Respondent has no separate debt.

The separate debt has already been divided fairly between the spouses.

The Petitioner’s separate debt is listed in Exhibit . This Exhibit is attached and made part of these Findings.

The Respondent’s separate debt is listed in Exhibit . This Exhibit is attached and made part of these Findings.

The spouses’ separate debt is listed in the separation contract described in 7.

The Petitioner’s separate debt is listed below:

The Respondent’s separate debt is listed below:

The court does not have jurisdiction to divide debt.

Other (specify):

Conclusion: The division of separate debt described in the final order is fair (just and equitable).

13. Spousal Support (maintenance/alimony)

Spousal support was not requested.

Spousal support should be based on the separation contract listed in 7.

Spousal support was requested.

Conclusion: Spousal support should (check one):

be ordered because:

not be ordered because:

14. Fees and Costs

Each party should pay his/her own fees or costs.

Fees and costs should be paid according to the separation contract listed in 7.

The (check one): Petitioner Respondent incurred fees and costs, and needs help to pay those fees and costs. The other spouse has the ability to help pay fees and costs and should be ordered to pay the amount as listed in the final order. The court finds that the amount ordered is reasonable.

Fees for a guardian ad litem (GAL) or other court-appointed professional should be paid as listed in the final order. The court has considered relevant factors including each party’s ability to pay, and finds the fees as ordered are reasonable.

Other findings:

15. Protection Order

No one requested an Order for Protection in this case.

requested an Order for Protection in this case.

Conclusion: The court should (check one):

not approve an Order for Protection because:

approve an Order for Protection because:

16. Restraining Order

No one requested a Restraining Order in this case.

The (check one): Petitioner Respondent requested a Restraining Order.

Conclusion: The court should (check one):

not approve a Restraining Order because:

approve a Restraining Order because:

17. Pregnancy

Neither spouse is pregnant.

One of the spouses is pregnant (check one): Petitioner Respondent

Conclusion: The pregnancy shall not delay finalization of this case. Finalization of this case shall not affect any future case about the unborn child’s parentage that is filed within the time limits allowed by law.

A case about the parentage of the unborn child has been joined (combined) with this case. The court’s Findings and Conclusions about Parentage will be filed separately.

Other (specify):

18. Children of the marriage

The spouses have no children together who are still dependent.

The spouses have the following children together who are still dependent (only list children the spouses have together, not children from other relationships):

Child’s name	Age	Child’s name	Age

If there are children listed above who do not have both spouses listed on their birth certificates, the State Registrar of Vital Statistics should be ordered to amend the children’s birth certificates to list both spouses as parents.

Other (specify):

19. Jurisdiction over the children (RCW 26.27.201 – .221, .231, .261, .271)

Does not apply. The spouses have no children together who are still dependent.

Exclusive, continuing jurisdiction – A Washington court has already made a custody order or parenting plan for the children, and the court still has authority to make other orders for .

Home state jurisdiction – Washington is the children’s home state because:

lived in Washington with a parent or someone acting as a parent for at least the 6 months just before this case was filed, or if the children were less than 6 months old when the case was filed, they had lived in Washington with a parent or someone acting as a parent since birth.

There were times the children were not in Washington in the 6 months just before this case was filed (or since birth if they were less than 6 months old), but those were temporary absences.

do not live in Washington right now, but Washington was the children’s home state some time in the 6 months just before this case was filed, and a parent or someone acting as a parent of the children still lives in Washington.

do not have another home state.

No home state or home state declined – No court of any other state (or tribe) has the jurisdiction to make decisions for , or a court in the children’s home state (or tribe) decided it is better to have this case in Washington and:

• The children and a parent or someone acting as a parent have ties to Washington beyond just living here; and

• There is a lot of information (substantial evidence) about the children’s care, protection, education and relationships in this state.

Other state declined – The courts in other states (or tribes) that might be ’s home state have refused to take this case because it is better to have this case in Washington.

Temporary emergency jurisdiction – Washington had temporary emergency jurisdiction over when the case was filed, and now has jurisdiction to make a final custody decision because:

• When the case was filed, the children were abandoned in this state, or the children were in this state and the children (or children’s parent, brother or sister) was abused or threatened with abuse;

• The court signed a temporary order on saying that Washington’s jurisdiction will become final if no case is filed in the children’s home state (or tribe) by the time the children have been in Washington for 6 months;

• The children have now lived in Washington for 6 months; and

• No case concerning the children has been started in the children’s home state (or tribe).

Other reason (specify):

The court cannot approve a Parenting Plan because the court does not have jurisdiction over the children.

20. Parenting Plan

The spouses have no children together who are still dependent.

The court signed the final Parenting Plan filed separately today or on (date): .

Both parents agreed to and signed the Parenting Plan.

Other (specify):

The court cannot approve a Parenting Plan because the court does not have jurisdiction over the children.

21. Child Support

The spouses have no children together who are still dependent.

The dependent children should be supported according to state law.

The court signed the final Child Support Order and Worksheets filed separately today or on (date): .

There is no need for the court to make a child support order because the DSHS Division of Child Support (DCS) has already established an administrative child support order for the children of this marriage in DCS case number(s) .

Other (specify):

22. Other findings or conclusions (if any)

Date

Judge or Commissioner

Petitioner and Respondent or their lawyers fill out below.

This document (check any that apply):

is an agreement of the parties

is presented by me

may be signed by the court without notice to me

Petitioner signs here or lawyer signs here + WSBA #

Print Name Date

This document (check any that apply):

is an agreement of the parties

is presented by me

may be signed by the court without notice to me

Respondent signs here or lawyer signs here + WSBA #

Print Name Date

What this Washington Findings and Conclusions About a Marriage document is

A Washington Findings and Conclusions About a Marriage is a written court document that records factual findings and legal conclusions related to a marriage in family law proceedings. It may appear in trials, hearings, or stipulated judgments where the court addresses marriage validity, dates, status, and related factual matters. The document helps clarify the court’s factual record and legal basis for orders such as dissolution, annulment, recognition of marriage, or enforcement of marital rights.

Why precise findings and conclusions matter

Clear findings and conclusions create an accurate legal record, reduce the risk of appeal, and support subsequent enforcement or collateral effects. Courts, attorneys, and parties rely on succinct, well‑organized findings to show how factual determinations led to legal results.

Who typically prepares or relies on these findings

The document is prepared by judges, court clerks, or attorneys and is relied on by parties and appellate counsel when legal questions arise.

Trial judges and magistrates who issue the formal written conclusions for the record
Family law attorneys who draft proposed findings or object to factual conclusions
Parties to dissolution, annulment, or recognition proceedings reviewing the court’s determinations

Step-by-step: preparing or reviewing the findings

Follow a structured sequence to draft, review, and file findings to ensure clarity and procedural compliance.

01

Gather Record: Collect transcripts, exhibits, and stipulated facts relevant to the marriage.
02

Draft Findings: State facts chronologically and link them to legal conclusions clearly.
03

Review with Counsel: Confirm accuracy and remove ambiguous language before submission.
04

Submit to Court: File or present findings per local court rules for entry.

Common questions and practical answers

Answers to frequent issues that arise when drafting, signing, or filing findings and conclusions in Washington family law cases.

Need help? Contact support

What if a finding is incorrect?
If a factual finding appears unsupported, move for reconsideration or file a timely appeal where appropriate. Corrective motions or stipulated corrections may also be submitted with the court’s permission to align the record with evidence.
Can parties submit proposed findings?
Yes. Parties commonly submit proposed findings and conclusions. The court may adopt, modify, or reject proposed language; ensure proposed submissions are concise and cite evidence.
Are electronic signatures acceptable?
Electronic signatures are generally valid under federal and state e‑signature laws for many filings and consent documents, but confirm local court rules and whether the court requires wet signatures for specific filings.
Does a judge need to sign immediately?
Practices vary. Courts may enter findings after review of submissions and transcripts; consult local rules for timing and whether a written order must be issued within a specific period.
What to do about missing exhibits?
Identify missing exhibits at once and request supplementation of the record. Late exhibits may require stipulation or a motion for leave to file under local procedures.
How to record service properly?
Include a signed proof of service or certificate indicating date, method, and recipient. For electronic service, follow the court’s e‑filing service rules to establish effective notice.

Risks from incorrect or incomplete findings

Appeal Risk: May lead to reversal.

Enforcement Issues: Orders may be hard to enforce.

Credibility Harm: Undermines party positions.

Delay: Causes additional hearings.

Increased Costs: Adds attorney and court expense.

Record Gaps: Creates evidence ambiguities.

Essential administrative and security items to include

Case Number: Exact docket identifier

Judge Name: Presiding judge or commissioner

Signature Method: Wet or electronic method noted

Filing Proof: Certificate or e‑file receipt

Service List: Names and methods served

Retention Note: Where original will be stored

Practical tips for clear, defensible findings

Use plain language, tie conclusions to numbered facts, and adopt consistent formatting to produce findings that withstand review.

Number factual statements

Numbered findings allow precise reference in legal argument and reduce ambiguity when a specific factual basis is contested on appeal or enforcement.

Reference evidence

Where possible, cite transcript pages, exhibit identifiers, or stipulated admissions so that each finding can be traced to the record.

Separate fact and law

Keep findings of fact distinct from conclusions of law; this separation clarifies the court’s reasoning and complies with common appellate expectations.

Use neutral language

Avoid argumentative phrasing; state objective observations and let conclusions of law interpret those facts without emotive or inflammatory wording.

Typical workflow for electronic completion and filing

A standard eight‑step workflow shows how a drafted document becomes entered and served in court using digital tools where allowed.

Draft: Prepare findings with numbered facts and citations.
Review: Circulate proposed findings to counsel for comment.
Sign: Judge signs using required method.
File: Submit to court via e‑file or clerk.

Key sections to include in a professional findings document

Include discrete, labeled sections so readers can locate factual findings, legal analysis, and administrative details quickly.

Caption

Case caption and docket information on the first page to ensure court clerks and parties immediately identify the proceeding and file location.

Procedural History

A brief chronology of filings, hearings, and stipulations establishes the context for the court’s factual findings and shows what evidence was considered.

Findings of Fact

Numbered factual statements derived from testimony, exhibits, and stipulations; each finding should be concise and supported by record citations where feasible.

Conclusions of Law

Legal determinations that flow from the numbered findings, stated in clear terms and referencing applicable legal standards or statutes where necessary.

Order Language

If the findings produce specific orders, include precise, enforceable phrasing indicating obligations, timelines, and remedies available for noncompliance.

Service and Entry

A section documenting how the findings were served and the official entry date, including e‑filing receipt or clerk stamp details when applicable.

Typical eSignature vendor pricing and feature snapshot relevant to court documents and signing workflows

Compare starting prices and key feature availability for common eSignature vendors used to collect signatures on legal documents; signNow is listed first per vendor order conventions.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	7-day free trial	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Verify with vendor
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Envelope Cap	No cap	100 envelopes/user/year	Varies	Varies	Varies

Real-world examples of online signing and record management

Two customer examples illustrate how secure eSignature and integrated workflows supported legal and operational needs in real cases.

Martin Properties

Tim Martin, Founder adapted online signing to handle closing documents and orders efficiently during remote operations

He reported streamlined processes across devices
The online workflow allowed timely execution, compliance with recordkeeping, and reduced in‑person meetings for property transactions.

Fertility Centers

John Butler, Founder improved form turnaround with integrated signing and storage

The team relied on compliance features for sensitive records
Using an eSignature workflow provided audit trails and secure storage while aligning with the clinic’s privacy and operational needs.

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