Family Law Resources

Filing for Divorce in Washington

Residency Requirements

Either spouse must be a resident of Washington or a member of the armed forces stationed in Washington at the time of filing. There is no minimum time requirement.

Grounds for Divorce

Washington is a no-fault state. The only ground is that the marriage is "irretrievably broken."

Step-by-Step Process

1. Complete the Petition for Dissolution


2. File with Superior Court in your county


3. Pay filing fee: Approximately $280-$350


4. Serve your spouse: Personal service or mail with acceptance


5. Wait 90 days: Mandatory waiting period


6. Complete parenting class (if children)


7. Final hearing or agreed decree

Summary Dissolution

Washington offers a simplified Summary Dissolution for short marriages with no children and limited assets.

Washington Family Courts

Family law cases are handled by the Superior Court in each county.

Major Court Locations

• King County (Seattle): 516 Third Ave


• Pierce County (Tacoma): 930 Tacoma Ave S


• Snohomish County: 3000 Rockefeller Ave, Everett


• Spokane County: 1116 W Broadway Ave


• Clark County: 1200 Franklin St, Vancouver

Family Court Services

Many Washington courts offer:

• Mandatory parenting seminars


• Mediation services


• Family Court facilitators

Washington Courts Self-Help

Visit courts.wa.gov/forms for official forms.

Filing Fees in Washington

Superior Court Fees (2025)

• Petition for Dissolution: $280-$350 (varies by county)


• Response: $200-$250


• Motion: $20-$60


• Parenting Plan Modification: $200-$280

Fee Waiver

If you cannot afford fees, file a Motion and Declaration for Fee Waiver. You may qualify if:

• You receive public assistance


• Your income is below 125% of poverty level

Other Costs

• Parenting seminar: $50-$75


• Mediation: Court-connected often sliding scale


• Guardian ad Litem: $2,000-$10,000

Free Legal Resources in Washington

Legal Aid Organizations

• Northwest Justice Project: (888) 201-1014


• King County Bar Pro Bono Services: (206) 267-7100


• Columbia Legal Services: (800) 542-0794


• TeamChild: (206) 322-2444 (youth)

Washington LawHelp

Visit WashingtonLawHelp.org for free legal information and referrals.

Family Law Facilitators

Many Washington courts have Family Law Facilitators who can help with forms and procedures.

Lawyer Referral

Washington State Bar: (206) 443-9722

Critical Deadlines in Washington

Response Time

If served, you have 20 days to file a Response (plus 10 additional days if served outside Washington).

90-Day Waiting Period

Washington has a mandatory 90-day waiting period from when the petition is filed and served.

Parenting Seminar

Parents must complete a parenting seminar within 60 days of filing (varies by county).

Temporary Orders

Temporary orders hearings are typically set 14-21 days after filing the motion.

Appeals

You have 30 days from entry of the final order to file a Notice of Appeal.

Modification

Residential schedules can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances.

Washington's Unique Family Law Features

Parenting Plan Model

Washington pioneered the Parenting Plan approach, which replaced traditional custody/visitation with a comprehensive plan addressing residential time, decision-making, and dispute resolution.

No Custody Terminology

Washington avoids "custody" language, instead using residential schedule and decision-making to reduce conflict.

Community Property State

Washington is one of 9 community property states. Property acquired during marriage is presumed equally owned.

No Alimony by Name

Washington calls spousal support "maintenance" and has no formula - it's based on the court's discretion.

Relocation Statute

Washington has a detailed relocation statute (RCW 26.09.405-560) governing when a parent with the majority of residential time can move.

Mandatory Parenting Seminar

All divorcing parents must complete an approved parenting seminar.