Washington | Divorce.Pro

Uncontested Divorce in Washington

To file an uncontested divorce (called a “dissolution of marriage”) in Washington, both spouses must meet certain criteria and agree on all terms.

Residency:
- Either spouse must be a resident of Washington State at the time the petition is filed.
- There's no minimum length of residency required, but one spouse must currently live in Washington.
Grounds for Divorce
- Washington is a pure no-fault divorce state. The only legal ground is:
- Irretrievable breakdown of the marriage
Full Agreement:

To qualify as uncontested, both spouses must agree on:
- Division of property and debts
- Alimony (spousal support), if any
- Parenting plan, custody, and child support (if children are involved)

The necessary forms depend on whether you have children. Typical forms include:

2. File the Documents

File your completed forms with the Superior Court Clerk’s Office in your county..
Filing Fee: Typically $280–$320

3. Serve Your Spouse or File with Joinder

If you’re filing together, your spouse can sign a Joinder, meaning no formal service is needed.
If only one spouse files, the other must be officially served.

4. Wait the 90 Days

Washington requires a mandatory 90-day waiting period from the date the petition and summons are filed (or served) before the divorce can be finalized.

5.Submit Final Documents

With Children:
- You must complete and file a Parenting Plan, Child Support Worksheets, and Residential Schedule
- The court will ensure all child-related decisions serve the best interests of the child
Property Division:
- Washington is a community property state—assets and debts acquired during marriage are usually split equally
Spousal Support:
- Can be included in your final order by mutual agreement or by court decision
Legal Review Recommended:
- Especially helpful if you have complex assets, minor children, or one spouse is self-employed0