Filing for divorce in Washington without a lawyer is possible when both spouses agree on major issues. Washington calls divorce a Dissolution of Marriage and has a mandatory 90-day waiting period. The filing fee is approximately $314. This guide covers every step of the process for a DIY divorce in Washington State.
Who qualifies for a divorce without a lawyer in Washington?
You may be able to file for divorce without a lawyer in Washington State if both spouses agree on all major issues including property division, debts, and — if applicable — child custody and support. Washington is a no-fault divorce state, which simplifies the process significantly.
- Both spouses agree on all terms of the divorce
- There is no history of domestic violence or coercion
- Neither spouse has highly complex assets such as a business or pension
- Both spouses are willing to cooperate and sign documents
Washington residency requirement
At least one spouse must have been a resident of Washington State for a minimum of 90 days before filing for dissolution of marriage. You must file in the Superior Court of the county where either spouse lives.
Washington divorce waiting period
Washington has a mandatory 90-day waiting period from the date the other spouse is served before the dissolution can be finalized. This waiting period cannot be waived even if both spouses agree on all terms. Most uncontested divorces in Washington are finalized within 3–5 months.
Step-by-step divorce process in Washington
Step 1 — Download Washington dissolution forms
Washington State provides free divorce forms through the Washington Courts website at courts.wa.gov. Washington has complete do-it-yourself divorce packets for different situations — with children, without children, and with or without property.
Step 2 — File at your county Superior Court
File your completed Petition for Dissolution of Marriage at the Superior Court in the county where you live. The filing fee is approximately $314 in most Washington counties. King County (Seattle) and Pierce County (Tacoma) fees may vary slightly.
Step 3 — Serve your spouse
After filing, your spouse must be formally served with the Petition and Summons. If your spouse agrees to cooperate, they can sign an Acceptance of Service form. Otherwise, use a process server or the county sheriff. The 90-day waiting period begins when your spouse is served.
Step 4 — Your spouse files a Response
Your spouse has 20 days to file a Response after being served. For an uncontested divorce, your spouse may simply sign the Settlement Agreement instead of filing a formal Response.
Step 5 — Wait 90 days and submit final documents
After the 90-day waiting period, submit your signed Decree of Dissolution of Marriage and Settlement Agreement to the court. For uncontested cases in Washington, you typically do not need to appear in court — the judge reviews the paperwork and signs the decree.
Required forms for divorce in Washington
- Summons — Dissolution of Marriage
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Acceptance of Service (if spouse agrees) or Proof of Service
- Confidential Information Form
- Separation Contract or Settlement Agreement
- Decree of Dissolution of Marriage
- If children are involved: Parenting Plan and Child Support Worksheets
All forms are available free at courts.wa.gov.
How much does a divorce cost in Washington?
The court filing fee in Washington is approximately $314 in most counties. For a DIY uncontested divorce where both spouses cooperate, your total cost is typically $314–$450. Attorney fees for an uncontested divorce in Washington typically range from $1,500 to $5,000. Contested divorces with attorneys can cost $15,000–$30,000 or more.
How long does a divorce take in Washington?
The minimum time for any divorce in Washington State is 90 days due to the mandatory waiting period. Most uncontested DIY divorces in Washington are finalized in 3–5 months. Contested divorces typically take 12–18 months or longer depending on the complexity of disputes over property or custody.
Frequently asked questions — Washington divorce
Is Washington a no-fault divorce state?
Yes. Washington is a pure no-fault divorce state. The only ground for dissolution of marriage in Washington is that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.” You do not need to prove wrongdoing by either spouse, and fault is not considered in property division.
Is Washington a community property state?
Yes. Washington is one of nine community property states in the United States. This means that most assets and debts acquired during the marriage are considered equally owned by both spouses and are typically divided 50/50 in a divorce, unless both spouses agree to a different arrangement in a Settlement Agreement.
Can I file for divorce in Washington without my spouse’s cooperation?
Yes. You can file a contested dissolution in Washington without your spouse’s agreement. Your spouse must be formally served and has 20 days to respond. If they do not respond, you may proceed with a default divorce after the 90-day waiting period.
Do I need to appear in court for a divorce in Washington?
For an uncontested divorce in Washington where both spouses have signed all documents, you typically do not need to appear in court. The judge reviews the paperwork and signs the Decree of Dissolution without requiring a hearing in most counties.
What if I cannot afford the Washington divorce filing fee?
If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can apply for a fee waiver by filing a Motion and Declaration for Waiver of Civil Filing Fees and Surcharges with the court. If your income is below the poverty guidelines, the court may waive the filing fee entirely.
Divorce guides in other states
Divorce laws vary significantly by state. Select your state below to find the complete guide.
- Virginia
- Colorado
- Texas
- California
- Florida
- New York
- Illinois
- Georgia
- Michigan
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- New Jersey
- Arizona
- Missouri
- North Carolina
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Vermont
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Legal disclaimer
The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Divorce laws in Washington vary by county and individual circumstances. If your divorce involves significant assets, children, or disputes, consider consulting a licensed attorney in Washington State.