Washington divorce at a glance
Official source: Washington court forms & self-help. Always confirm current forms and fees with the court before filing.
How to file for divorce in Washington: step by step
Washington has no residency length requirement and a 90-day waiting period. Here is the path from petition to a Decree of Dissolution.
- Confirm you can file in Washington
You only need to be a Washington resident when you file — there is no length-of-residency requirement. Washington is no-fault ("irretrievably broken"), with no separation required.Source: RCW 26.09 - Generate the mandatory pattern forms
Use the statewide mandatory pattern forms: the Summons (FL Divorce 200), the Petition (FL Divorce 201), and the final-orders set.Source: Washington mandatory pattern forms (RCW 26.09) - File with the Superior Court
File with the Superior Court and pay about $314–$364, or file a motion to waive the fee (available in every county).Source: In forma pauperis motion - Serve your spouse
Serve your spouse, or have them sign a Joinder or acknowledgment in an agreed case.Source: RCW 4.28 - Complete the child-support worksheets (if children)
If you have children, complete the Washington State Child Support Schedule worksheets.Source: RCW 26.19 - Wait 90 days and finalize
Washington requires a 90-day wait from filing and service. After that, submit your final orders; the judge signs the Decree of Dissolution.Source: RCW 26.09.030 (90-day wait)
What does filing “pro se” (without a lawyer) mean in Washington?
Pro se — also called self-represented — means you handle your own divorce without hiring an attorney. Check the linked court resources for the self-represented filing paths and forms available where you will file. Local requirements and the issues in your case determine which documents you need.
Filing pro se is usually a good fit when: you both agree on the divorce, you can agree on splitting property and debts, and any parenting time and support are worked out. It’s worth talking to a lawyer when: you disagree about custody or money, one spouse hides assets or won’t cooperate, there’s a business or significant property to divide, or there has been any abuse.
LawCat helps you organize your case information and find official court resources. Available generated drafts depend on your state and case path; review the court’s complete checklist before filing.
Child support resources for Washington
Washington child support calculator → An itemized estimate from Washington’s official guideline, figures effective 2026-01-01. The court’s worksheet controls.
Use the current official worksheet and instructions for your case. Income definitions, parenting arrangements, deductions, other obligations and additional expenses can affect the result. A simple percentage of the higher earner’s income does not establish an obligation.
Official court forms and guidance →
How long does a Washington divorce take?
A 90-day waiting period from the date you file and serve before the court can finalize the divorce. After that, the timeline depends on the court’s calendar and how quickly each step is completed. An uncontested, pro-se divorce is typically the fastest path — most of the wait is the statutory period, not paperwork.
Common reasons Washington divorce filings get rejected
- Missing signatures, or forms that aren’t notarized where the court requires it.
- Skipping the financial disclosure both spouses are required to exchange.
- Filing before meeting the residency requirement.
- Mistakes serving the other spouse, or forgetting to file the proof of service.
- Not following local county rules. Moderate–low. The pattern forms are identical statewide, but counties add local procedure (King County case schedules, Pierce local rules).
LawCat’s guided questions and filing checklist are built to prevent exactly these — the errors that send self-represented filers back to the clerk’s window.
Start an agreed Washington divorce
Prepare a petition and respondent joinder for an agreed marriage-divorce case without dependent children. A separate final-stage interview prepares proposed FL231 findings and an FL241 decree for the supported existing-case path, after checking actual filing and joinder dates and current agreed terms. Coverage is limited to the described personal-property and debt arrangements. Confidential information and vital-statistics forms are prepared and downloaded separately, with their own filing instructions. Children, real estate, support requests, service alternatives and county supplements need separate preparation. Proposed orders remain unsigned until the actual parties and court complete the required steps.
Organize your case →Why LawCat is free
Most “online divorce” sites charge $137–$499 for the same public court forms, and some add monthly fees. LawCat’s document preparation is free, with no subscription and no card on file.
Compare divorce filing fees in every state →
Washington divorce FAQ
Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in Washington?
No lawyer is required: Washington courts accept divorce filings from self-represented (pro se) people, and the official court resources linked on this page explain the forms and steps. Many people talk to a lawyer when custody, support or property is disputed. LawCat prepares selected Washington form drafts free of charge; it does not give legal advice.
How long do I have to live in Washington to file for divorce?
No length-of-residency requirement — you only need to be a Washington resident when you file. Confirm the current rule with the official Washington court source before filing.
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Washington?
The court filing fee is about $314–$364, varying by county. Ask the court to waive the fee by motion (in forma pauperis) — available in every county. LawCat’s available drafts have no document-preparation charge; court costs, service and other expenses are separate.