Washington Divorce Checklist
divorce.law/resources/divorce-checklist/washington/
Prepared: 5/20/2026
Data updated: 3/1/2026
Estimated Timeline
3-4 months for uncontested divorces where both spouses agree on all terms (90-day mandatory waiting period plus document preparation and presentation). 6-12 months for moderately contested cases requiring mediation and negotiation. 12-24 months for highly contested cases involving custody disputes, complex property division, or business valuations. The absolute minimum is 91 days from the date of filing and service under RCW 26.09.030.
Documents to Gather
- Certified Marriage Certificate
- Birth Certificates for Minor Children(if applicable)
- Social Security Cards
- Valid Government-Issued Photo ID
- Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreement(if applicable)
- Prior Court Orders(if applicable)
- Immigration Documents(if applicable)
Financial Documents
- Last 3 Years of Federal and State Tax Returns
- Last 6 Months of Pay Stubs or Income Verification
- Bank Account Statements (All Accounts)
- Retirement and Pension Account Statements
- Investment and Brokerage Account Statements
- Real Estate Documents
- Vehicle Titles and Loan Statements
- Business Financial Statements(if applicable)
- Debt Documentation
- Life Insurance and Health Insurance Policies
- Monthly Expense Records
Key Steps
1. Before Filing
- Verify Residency Requirements
- Gather Essential Personal Documents
- Compile Financial Records and Complete Financial Declaration
- Develop a Proposed Parenting Plan (If Minor Children)
- Research County-Specific Requirements and Fee Waiver Eligibility
2. Filing Process
- Complete and File the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- File the Summons and Obtain Case Number
- File Required Financial and Parenting Documents
3. After Filing
- Serve Your Spouse with the Divorce Papers
- Wait for Respondent's Response or Default
- Complete Mandatory Parenting Seminar (If Minor Children)
- Participate in Mediation or Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Negotiate Settlement or Prepare for Trial
- Prepare and Present Final Divorce Orders to the Court
- Complete Post-Decree Updates and Name Change
Key Deadlines
Quick Reference
To file for divorce in Washington, you must be a state resident on the filing date — there is no minimum residency duration under RCW 26.09.030. File a Petition for Divorce (FL Divorce 201) and Summons (FL Divorce 200) with the superior court in any county where either spouse resides. Filing fees range from $280 to $400 by county, with fee waivers available under GR 34 for households at or below 125 percent of the federal poverty level. Serve your spouse, who then has 20 days to respond if served within Washington, 60 days if served out of state, or 90 days if served by publication. Washington imposes a mandatory 90-day waiting period from the date of filing and service before any decree can be entered. Both parties must complete a Financial Declaration (FL All Family 131) disclosing all income, expenses, assets, and debts. If minor children are involved, file a proposed Parenting Plan (FL All Family 140), Child Support Order (FL All Family 130), and WSCSS Worksheets. Most counties require a parenting seminar and alternative dispute resolution. Washington is a community property state, and the court divides all property and debts in a 'just and equitable' manner under RCW 26.09.080. The divorce is final when the judge signs the Final Divorce Order (FL Divorce 241).