How to purchase real estate while in a legal separation status?

If you review the decree of legal separation, the decree should state that the two spouses' finances are separated and each is responsible for his or her finances from the date of separation. WA laws provide that either or both of the spouses can motion the court to convert the legal separation to dissolution after at least 6 months have passed since the entry of the decree of legal separation. The other spouse cannot contest the motion. A joint motion can be done in a day (through the ex parte department). The local rules of the court where the petition for legal separation was filed likely have the procedures for the conversion. You should review the specific facts with your attorney to find out your legal options.