Ready to start? Visit the Washington Courts website to download your divorce forms today.
Get your divorce papersWhat Divorce Papers needs to be valid in Washington
- You or your spouse must have lived in Washington for at least 90 days before filing.
- You need to fill out the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (form FL Divorce 101).
- Provide your spouse's full legal name and address for service of process.
- If you have children, you'll need to complete a Parenting Plan and Child Support Worksheets.
- Both parties must agree on division of property and debts for an uncontested divorce.
- If you can't agree on all terms, you'll need to go through a contested divorce process.
How to set up a Divorce Papers in Washington
- Download the divorce forms from the Washington Courts website or get them from your local county clerk's office.
- Fill out the Petition, Summons, and other required forms. Be accurate and complete.
- File the forms with the county superior court in the county where you or your spouse live.
- Pay the filing fee (or request a fee waiver if you qualify).
- Serve your spouse with the divorce papers (petition and summons) according to state rules.
- Wait for your spouse's response, then finalize the divorce by attending a hearing or getting a judge's signature on the final order.
How much it costs
Filing fees for divorce papers in Washington vary by county, typically between $200 and $300. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for a waiver using the IFP (In Forma Pauperis) motion. Additional costs may include service of process and attorney fees if you hire a lawyer.
Before You Begin: Washington Divorce Papers Checklist
Prepare before you start your Washington divorce paperwork to avoid delays and ensure accuracy. Gather these essentials and understand key state rules.
- Meet Washington's residency requirement: you or your spouse must have lived in the state for at least 90 days before filing.
- Determine if your divorce is uncontested (both agree on all issues) to use the simpler DIY forms, or contested requiring more complex procedures.
- Have your marriage certificate, recent tax returns, pay stubs, asset/debt lists, and information on any minor children (SSNs, birth dates) ready.
- Think about parenting plan and child support: Washington requires a parenting plan if you have minor children, and support is calculated using state guidelines.
- Know that Washington is a no-fault divorce state: you'll cite that the marriage is irretrievably broken, no proof of fault needed.
- File your completed forms with the county Superior Court in the county where either spouse resides; check that county's specific filing fees and local rules online.
Questions people ask
Do I need a lawyer to file for divorce in Washington?
No, you can file for divorce without a lawyer. The court provides self-help resources and forms. However, if your situation is complex or you don't agree on issues, consulting a lawyer is wise.
Do my divorce papers need to be notarized in Washington?
Some forms require notarization, such as the petition and final orders. Check your forms carefully. You can have them notarized at a bank or local notary service.
How long does it take to finalize an uncontested divorce in Washington?
There is a mandatory 90-day waiting period from the date of filing and service. If everything goes smoothly, you could be divorced in about 3 to 6 months.
What are the residency requirements for filing divorce papers in Washington?
You or your spouse must have been a resident of Washington for at least 90 days before filing. You don't need to be a U.S. citizen.