2025 Divorce Filing Checklist for Washington

Filing for divorce in Washington is unique among U.S. states because it has no minimum residency requirement—you simply need to be a Washington resident when you file. However, understanding the divorce process including Washington's mandatory 90-day waiting period, required FL Divorce forms, and Superior Court filing procedures is essential for avoiding costly delays and ensuring compliance with state law.

This comprehensive checklist walks you through every requirement for filing divorce in Washington in 2025, from the no-residency rule to required forms like FL Divorce 200 and FL Divorce 201 to current filing fees by county. By the end, you'll have a clear roadmap for initiating your divorce in Washington Superior Court and understanding exactly when your decree can be finalized.

Washington's Unique No-Residency Requirement

Unlike most states that require 6 months to 1 year of residency, Washington has no minimum residency period. You can file for divorce immediately upon becoming a Washington resident, according to RCW 26.09.030.

Who Can File:

• You are a Washington resident (no minimum days required)
• You are stationed in Washington as a member of the armed forces
• You are married to someone who is a Washington resident or stationed here

Practical Tip: While you can file immediately, the 90-day waiting period starts from the later of (1) filing the petition OR (2) serving the summons. Plan your timeline accordingly—most divorces can't be finalized until at least 90 days have passed from both events.

The Mandatory 90-Day Waiting Period

Washington law mandates a 90-day waiting period before any divorce decree can be entered, even if both spouses agree on everything. The 90 days begins from the later of these two events:

1. The date you filed the petition with the court
2. The date the summons was served on your spouse (or first published if service by publication)

This cooling-off period is designed to give couples time to reconsider and attempt reconciliation. Unlike separation-based requirements in other states, Washington's 90-day period applies to all divorces regardless of your living situation. For a complete breakdown of each phase from filing to final decree, see our detailed Washington divorce timeline guide.

Where to File: Superior Court Venue Rules

All Washington divorces are filed in a Superior Court. You file in the Superior Court of the county where you (the petitioner) reside, according to RCW 26.09.010. The respondent can request a change of venue under general venue rules if appropriate.

E-Filing Systems by County: Washington does not have a single statewide e-filing system. Each county operates its own platform:

• King County: Mandatory e-filing through King County Clerk's e-Filing Application
• Pierce County: LINX eFiling for Superior Court
• Spokane County: TrueFiling system
• Snohomish County: Odyssey eFileWA portal

Required Forms for Washington Divorce Filing

Washington requires use of approved statewide pattern forms. All FL Divorce forms are available from the Washington Courts Forms page.

Mandatory Forms for All Filers:

• FL Divorce 200: Summons - Notice About a Marriage or Domestic Partnership (updated 09/2025)
• FL Divorce 201: Petition for Divorce (Dissolution) - Core filing that starts your case (updated 01/2023)
• FL All Family 001: Confidential Information - Personal information not available to the public (updated 07/2022)
• DOH 422-027: Certificate of Dissolution - Required by Department of Health for vital records (updated 07/2023)

Additional Forms if You Have Children:

• FL All Family 140: Proposed Parenting Plan (updated 07/2025)
• FL Divorce 243: Residential Time Summary (updated 07/2025)
• FL All Family 130: Child Support Order
• WSCSS Schedule and Worksheets: Washington State Child Support Schedule
• FL All Family 131: Financial Declaration with FL All Family 011 (Sealed Financial Source Documents)

Filing Fees and Costs by County

Washington's filing fees vary by county due to local surcharges added to the state base fee. State law sets a $200 base clerk filing fee plus a mandatory $54 domestic violence prevention surcharge, according to RCW 36.18.020.

Typical 2025 Filing Fees: After July 27, 2025 legislative changes, expect to pay approximately $290-$310+ to file a new divorce case in most counties. Always check your local Superior Court clerk's current fee schedule before filing.

Fee Waivers Available: If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can request a fee waiver. Courts typically don't fully waive fees but may reduce them to around $80 in some counties. Complete the fee waiver petition and submit financial documentation with your filing.

Step-by-Step: Filing for Divorce in Washington

Washington's divorce process follows a structured path from filing through decree:

1. Complete Required Forms: Use Washington Forms Online (free) or download forms from the Washington Courts website. Complete FL Divorce 200, 201, FL All Family 001, and DOH 422-027 at minimum.
2. File with Superior Court: File in person or via your county's e-filing system. Pay the filing fee ($290-$310+ typical). You'll receive a case number.
3. Serve Your Spouse: Have someone over 18 (not you) personally serve the summons and petition on your spouse. You can use the sheriff, a professional process server, or a competent adult friend. Alternative: Your spouse can sign FL All Family 117 (Service Accepted) or FL All Family 119 (Agreement to Join Petition).
4. Spouse Has 20 Days to Respond: If served in Washington, your spouse has 20 days to file a Response (FL Divorce 211). If served outside Washington or by publication, they have 60 days.
5. Wait the 90-Day Period: The decree cannot be entered until 90 days have passed from BOTH filing and service, whichever is later.
6. Submit Final Orders: After the 90-day period and resolution of all issues, submit FL Divorce 231 (Findings and Conclusions) and FL Divorce 241 (Final Divorce Order/Decree) for the court's signature.

Calculate Your Washington Divorce Costs

Use our free calculator below to get a personalized estimate of your total divorce costs based on your situation. The calculator is pre-configured with Washington's typical filing fees and legal costs.

Note: This estimate is for planning purposes. Actual costs vary based on county filing fees, whether you reach settlement or go to trial, and attorney fees in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do you have to live in Washington to file for divorce?
A: Washington has no minimum residency requirement. You can file immediately once you become a Washington resident, are stationed here in the armed forces, or are married to someone who is a Washington resident or stationed here, according to RCW 26.09.030.

Q: What is the 90-day waiting period in Washington divorce?
A: Washington requires a 90-day cooling-off period before any decree can be entered. The 90 days starts from the later of (1) filing the petition or (2) serving the summons. Even if you and your spouse agree on everything, you must wait the full 90 days before finalizing your divorce.

Q: How much does it cost to file for divorce in Washington?
A: Filing fees range from $290-$320+ depending on your county, with most counties charging around $310 after 2025 legislative changes. This includes the state base fee ($200), domestic violence surcharge ($54), and local surcharges. Fee waivers are available for low-income filers.

Q: Do I need to use Washington's official divorce forms?
A: Yes. Washington requires use of approved statewide pattern forms. You cannot create your own divorce forms. All required FL Divorce forms are available for free on the Washington State Courts website or through Washington Forms Online, which provides an interactive tool to help you complete them.

Conclusion

Understanding Washington's divorce filing requirements is your first step toward a smoother legal process. While Washington's no-residency requirement makes it easy to file, the mandatory 90-day waiting period and required pattern forms system mean you must follow precise procedures to avoid delays. This checklist ensures you meet all Superior Court requirements from day one.

Ready to estimate your total divorce costs beyond just filing fees? Use our free Washington Divorce Cost Calculator above to get a personalized breakdown based on your county and situation. For comprehensive information about Washington divorce laws covering property division, child support calculations, and parenting plans, explore our related guides below.

Remember: The 90-day waiting period is strict and applies to everyone. Plan your timeline carefully, complete all required FL Divorce forms accurately, and consider consulting a Washington family law attorney to protect your rights throughout the process.