How to File for Divorce in Washington Without a Lawyer (2026)

Washington State has one of the most accessible DIY divorce processes in the country. Three features make it stand out:

✅ No residency minimum. If you live in Washington, you can file immediately — no waiting to establish residency.

✅ Co-petition option. When both spouses agree on everything, you can file a Joint Petition together. No service required, no contested process — just wait 90 days and submit the final paperwork.

✅ Well-organized free forms. Washington courts maintain DR-series forms at courts.wa.gov/forms — downloadable, clear, and standardized statewide.

Disclaimer: This is general legal information, not legal advice. Consult a licensed Washington attorney for your specific situation.

Washington Dissolution at a Glance

Step-by-Step: Washington Dissolution

Step 1 — Choose Your Path: Joint Petition or Individual Petition

Joint Petition (Co-Petition) — Best for agreed divorces Both spouses file together as Co-Petitioners. You both sign the Petition for Dissolution. No service required. The 90-day clock starts on filing day. Fastest possible path.

Individual Petition — One spouse initiates The Petitioner files. The Respondent must be formally served. The 90-day clock starts after service is completed.

Step 2 — Get Washington Forms

Download at courts.wa.gov/forms. Key forms for a dissolution without children:

For a Joint Petition, you also need Form DR 01.0295 (Joint Petition for Dissolution).

Step 3 — Complete the Petition

The Petition for Dissolution of Marriage includes:

• Names, addresses, date and place of marriage
• Names and ages of any children
• Ground: "Irretrievable breakdown of the marriage"
• What relief you are requesting (dissolution, property division, spousal maintenance if applicable)
• Whether you are filing as individual petitioner or co-petitioners

Step 4 — File at Superior Court

File at the Superior Court in the county where you live. Pay the filing fee ($280–$314 depending on county). Get the stamped copy and your case number.

If filing individually, the Clerk issues a Summons.

Step 5 — Serve Your Spouse (Individual Petition Only)

Your spouse must be personally served with the Petition and Summons. Options:

• Acceptance of Service: Spouse signs the Acceptance form — fastest and free
• Sheriff or process server: $30–$100
• Mail service: Allowed if spouse agrees to accept by mail

The 90-day waiting period starts on the date service is completed.

Step 6 — Negotiate Your Separation Contract (Decree)

While the 90 days run, finalize your agreement:

• Community property division: Real estate, bank accounts, retirement accounts, vehicles, investments
• Separate property: Confirm what is separate and belongs to each individual
• Spousal maintenance: Amount, duration, and termination events — or a mutual written waiver
• Debts: Who is responsible for which debts; indemnification provisions

Put it in the Separation Contract (also called the Agreed Final Decree when the separation contract is incorporated directly). Both spouses sign before a notary.

Step 7 — Submit Final Papers After 90 Days

After the 90-day period:

1. File the Decree of Dissolution (with your Separation Contract incorporated)
2. File the Vital Statistics Form (required in Washington for every dissolution)
3. A judge reviews and signs the Decree — typically done without a hearing for agreed cases

You generally do not need to appear in court for an uncontested Washington dissolution. The judge reviews the paperwork and signs.

Step 8 — After the Decree

• Name restoration: Apply for new Social Security card → Washington DOL (driver's license)
• Vehicle titles: Washington DOL
• Real estate: Record a new deed at the county Auditor's office (Washington counties use Auditors for land records — not a Register of Deeds)
• Retirement accounts: QDRO for employer plans; IRA transfer incident to dissolution
• Beneficiary designations: Update all accounts immediately

Cost Summary

Free Washington Dissolution Resources

• Washington Courts forms: courts.wa.gov/forms
• Washington LawHelp: washingtonlawhelp.org
• Northwest Justice Project: nwjustice.org
• Washington State Bar referral: wsba.org

Last reviewed: March 2026 | Washington uses "Dissolution of Marriage" — not "divorce" | County Auditor handles deed recording in WA

Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.