In order to commence an action for dissolution in the Tribal Court, at least one party to the marriage must be an enrolled member of the Tulalip Tribes. The Court has continuing jurisdiction to resolve matters pertaining to the dissolution that have not been previously adjudicated by a judgment in the proceeding.
(Res. 2013-346; Res. 2015-138; Res. 2015-504; Res. 2022-432)
(1) 
Proceedings in dissolution shall be commenced and conducted in the manner provided by law for civil cases, except as otherwise specifically provided. A final decree of dissolution shall restore the parties to the status of unmarried persons.
(2) 
If either party in a proceeding for dissolution is a member of the military, the Court may conduct the proceeding in such a way as to be consistent with the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.
(3) 
The Court Clerk shall provide the parties with a form titled Washington State Certificate of Dissolution, Declaration of Invalidity, or Legal Separation, and once the form is completed, the Court Clerk shall sign it and submit it to the State Registrar of Vital Statistics.
(Res. 2013-346; Res. 2015-138; Res. 2015-504; Res. 2022-432)
Either party to a marriage may petition for dissolution. The sole grounds for dissolution shall be that the marriage is irretrievably broken.
(Res. 2013-346; Res. 2015-138; Res. 2015-504; Res. 2022-432)
The petition for dissolution shall be in writing and signed by the petitioner or the petitioner’s counsel or attorney.
(Res. 2013-346; Res. 2015-138; Res. 2015-504; Res. 2022-432)
The Court may temporarily or permanently restrain either party from doing certain acts harmful to the other or to the children, or to the property of either, during the pendency of the dissolution proceedings. Violation of a current and valid restraining order shall be a Class B offense under the Tulalip Law and Order Code. In addition, contempt or exclusion proceedings may be brought against any party violating a valid court order obtained pursuant to this section.
(Res. 2013-346; Res. 2015-138; Res. 2015-504; Res. 2022-432)
No decrees of dissolution shall be granted upon default or otherwise, except upon evidence taken by the Court who shall make and file its findings and decree upon the evidence.
(Res. 2013-346; Res. 2015-138; Res. 2015-504; Res. 2022-432)
The decree shall include the disposition of property and debts as may be equitable except that the Court may not consider trust or restricted lands under the jurisdiction of the United States as community property. The Court may also factor each spouse’s ability to continue earning their livelihood so that it is not unreasonably jeopardized (e.g., court ordered sale of fishing boat or equipment). If there are children from the relationship, then the Court may enter a parenting plan and child support pursuant to Tribal law, including, but not limited to, this code and the Tulalip Tribes Paternity and Child Support Code. No decree will be entered until 60 days after the petition has been filed.
(Res. 2013-346; Res. 2015-138; Res. 2015-504; Res. 2022-432; Res. 2023-231)
The Court may order either party to pay to the other party for the benefit of the other party a sum of money for the temporary or permanent separate support and maintenance of the adverse party and the children, and to enable such party to prosecute and defend the action.
(Res. 2013-346; Res. 2015-138; Res. 2015-504; Res. 2022-432)
In determining an order for maintenance of an amount and period of time that is just and equitable, the Court shall consider all relevant factors including, but not limited to, the following:
(1) 
The financial resources of the party seeking maintenance, including separate or community property apportioned to him or her, and his or her ability to meet his or her needs independently, including the extent to which a provision for support of a child living with the party includes a sum for that party;
(2) 
The time necessary to acquire sufficient education or training to enable the party seeking maintenance to find employment appropriate to his or her skill, interests, style of life, and other attendant circumstances;
(3) 
The standard of living established during the marriage;
(4) 
The duration of the marriage;
(5) 
The age, physical and emotional condition, and financial obligations of the party seeking maintenance; and
(6) 
The ability of the party from whom maintenance is sought to meet his or her needs and financial obligations while meeting those of the party seeking maintenance.
(Res. 2013-346; Res. 2015-138; Res. 2015-504; Res. 2022-432)
(1) 
The provisions of any decree of dissolution respecting maintenance or support may be modified only upon a showing of substantial change of circumstances. The Court may only modify installments occurring after the date of the petition for modification.
(2) 
The provisions of any decree of dissolution respecting child custody may be modified according to Article V of this chapter.
(3) 
The provisions of any decree of dissolution respecting child support may be modified according to the Tulalip Tribes Paternity and Child Support Code.
(Res. 2013-346; Res. 2015-138; Res. 2015-504; Res. 2022-432)
Unless otherwise agreed in writing or expressly provided in the decree of dissolution, the obligation to pay future maintenance is terminated upon the death of either party or the remarriage of the party receiving maintenance.
(Res. 2013-346; Res. 2015-138; Res. 2015-504; Res. 2022-432)
A decree of dissolution of marriage is final when entered, subject to the right of appeal. An appeal which does not challenge the finding that the marriage is irretrievably broken does not delay the finality of the dissolution and either party may remarry pending such an appeal.
(Res. 2013-346; Res. 2015-138; Res. 2015-504; Res. 2022-432)
Upon a decree of dissolution of marriage being entered, all spousal benefits related to being married to a Tribal member shall cease.
(Res. 2013-346; Res. 2015-138; Res. 2015-504; Res. 2022-432)