Filing for divorce in Washington without an attorney costs $314 in court fees. You must meet the residency requirement of Resident of Washington. Washington is a community property state with a 90 days waiting period. An uncontested divorce typically takes 3-4 months. Victoria AI guides you through every step with Washington-specific instructions.
Last updated: February 1, 2026 • Reviewed by Divorce.law Legal Team
| Filing Fee | $314 (The filing fee is $314 statewide. Additional fees apply for service of process. Fee waivers are available.) |
| Residency Requirement | Resident of Washington |
| Waiting Period | 90 days |
| Property Division | Community Property (50/50) |
| Grounds for Divorce | Irretrievable breakdown of the marriage |
| No-Fault Only? | Yes |
| Uncontested Timeline | 3-4 months |
| Contested Timeline | 6 months to 2 years |
| Fee Waiver Available? | Yes |
To file for divorce in Washington, you must meet the following residency requirement: Resident of Washington.
Washington has no minimum residency duration. The petitioner (or respondent) must be a resident of Washington state at the time of filing. Military members stationed in Washington also qualify.
Tip: Victoria AI can help you determine if you meet Washington's residency requirements and guide you through the documentation needed to prove residency.
Follow these steps to file for divorce in Washington without an attorney. Victoria AI guides you through each step with state-specific instructions.
Washington has no minimum residency duration. The petitioner (or respondent) must be a resident of Washington state at the time of filing. Military members stationed in Washington also qualify.
Download the official Washington divorce forms: Petition for Dissolution, Summons, Confidential Information Form. All forms are available from the Washington courts website.
Fill out the divorce petition (FL Divorce 201) with your information, grounds for divorce, and what you're requesting (property division, custody, support).
File your completed petition with the Washington court and pay the filing fee of $314. Fee waivers are available if you qualify financially.
Properly serve your spouse with the divorce papers according to Washington rules. Options typically include sheriff service, process server, or certified mail with acknowledgment.
Exchange mandatory financial disclosure documents as required by Washington law. This typically includes income verification, tax returns, bank statements, and a sworn financial affidavit.
Washington requires a 90-day waiting period from the date the petition is filed and served before the divorce can be finalized. This period cannot be waived.
Submit your final judgment to the court. For uncontested divorces in Washington, this typically takes 3-4 months. The court will issue your final divorce decree.
These are the primary forms you'll need to file for divorce in Washington. Victoria AI guides you through completing each form correctly.
Initiates the case
Notifies your spouse
Private information
Court findings
Final order
The filing fee to start a divorce in Washington is $314. The filing fee is $314 statewide. Additional fees apply for service of process. Fee waivers are available.
| Cost Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $314 |
| Service of Process | $50-$100 (varies by method) |
| Certified Copies | $5-$25 per copy |
| Total DIY Uncontested | $500-$1,500 (uncontested DIY) |
If you cannot afford the filing fee, Washington offers fee waivers for qualifying individuals. You'll need to complete a fee waiver application demonstrating financial hardship. This typically requires showing income below a certain threshold (often 125-200% of federal poverty guidelines) or receiving public assistance benefits.
Victoria can help: Our AI guides you through the fee waiver application process and helps you gather the required documentation.
After filing your divorce petition in Washington, you must legally "serve" your spouse with the divorce papers. This ensures they receive official notice of the divorce and have an opportunity to respond.
A sheriff, constable, or private process server personally delivers the papers to your spouse. Most reliable method.
Papers sent via certified mail with return receipt requested. Your spouse must sign to acknowledge receipt.
Your spouse voluntarily signs an acknowledgment that they received the papers. Fastest and cheapest option if cooperative.
If your spouse cannot be located, you may be able to publish notice in a newspaper. Requires court approval.
You must file proof of service with the court showing your spouse was properly served. Without valid proof of service, your divorce cannot proceed. Washington courts are strict about service requirements.
Washington is a community property state.
Washington is a community property state. All property acquired during marriage is presumed community property and divided equally (50/50). Separate property (owned before marriage, gifts, inheritance) stays with the owner.
Victoria's Financial Tools: Our AI-powered financial tools help you identify, categorize, and value marital assets. Victoria can help you understand how Washington law applies to your specific property.
Washington uses the Income shares model.
Washington uses the income shares model with the Washington State Child Support Schedule. Combined net income of both parents determines base support, adjusted for residential schedule and other factors.
Understanding the timeline helps you plan and set realistic expectations for your Washington divorce.
When both spouses agree on all terms including property division, custody, and support. This is the fastest and least expensive option.
When spouses cannot agree and need court intervention to resolve disputes. Involves hearings, discovery, and potentially trial.
File Petition
Day 1 - Submit your divorce paperwork and pay the $314 filing fee
Serve Your Spouse
Within 30 days - Ensure proper legal service of divorce papers
Response Period
20-30 days - Your spouse has time to file a response
Waiting Period
90 days - Washington requires a 90-day waiting period from the date the petition is filed and served before the divorce can be finalized. This period cannot be waived.
Final Judgment
Court issues your final divorce decree
Speed up your divorce: Victoria AI helps you complete forms correctly the first time, avoiding delays from rejected paperwork. Our checklists ensure you don't miss any steps or deadlines.
No minimum residency duration
No-fault only state
Community property state (50/50 split)
90-day mandatory waiting period
Comprehensive court forms provided
Called 'dissolution' not 'divorce'
Common questions about filing for divorce in Washington without an attorney.
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Washington-specific forms
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Child support calculator
Using Washington's exact guidelines
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Victoria provides legal information, not legal advice. For advice specific to your case, consult an attorney.
All Washington divorce information verified from official state court sources.
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