Washington Dissolution Checklist — Step-by-Step (2026)

Use this checklist to track every step of your Washington dissolution. Washington's 90-day period runs while you complete the agreement — so start paperwork immediately.

Reminder: Washington uses "Dissolution of Marriage" — not divorce. The official term matters on all forms.

Phase 1 — Choose Your Filing Path

• Determine whether you will file a Joint Petition (co-petition) or an Individual Petition
  • Co-petition: Both spouses agree on everything and file together → No service needed → Fastest path
  • Individual petition: One spouse files; other must be served
• Confirm you are a current Washington resident
• Identify the Superior Court in your county

Phase 2 — Gather Financial Information

• List all community property (acquired during marriage):
  • Real estate (address, approximate equity)
  • Bank accounts (all accounts, all institutions)
  • Retirement accounts (401k, 403b, pension, IRA — note whether contributions were made during marriage)
  • Investment accounts
  • Vehicles (make, model, year, loan balance)
  • Business interests
  • Other valuable property
• List all separate property (pre-marital, gifts, inheritances)
• List all community debts:
  • Mortgage
  • Vehicle loans
  • Credit card balances
  • Student loans
  • Personal loans
• Gather supporting documents: bank statements, retirement statements, mortgage statement, vehicle loan statements, pay stubs, tax returns

Phase 3 — Get Washington Forms

• Download forms from courts.wa.gov/forms (DR series)
• For your specific situation:
  • No children, co-petition: DR 01.0295, DR 04.0300, DR 04.0400, Vital Statistics Form
  • No children, individual: DR 01.0300, DR 01.0200, DR 01.0250, DR 04.0300, DR 04.0400
  • With children: Add Parenting Plan (DR 01.0400), Child Support Order (WSCSS Worksheets)

Phase 4 — Complete and File the Petition

• Complete the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (or Joint Petition)
• Attach all required documents
• Make 3 copies of everything
• File at the Superior Court Clerk's office in your county
• Pay filing fee ($280–$314)
• Receive case number and filed copies

Phase 5 — Service (Individual Petition Only)

• Serve the Respondent with the Petition, Summons, and all filed documents
• Choose service method:
  • Acceptance of Service (spouse signs the form) — fastest
  • Sheriff or process server ($30–$100)
• File Proof of Service with the court
• Note the date service was completed — 90-day clock starts here

Phase 6 — Negotiate and Finalize the Separation Contract

During the 90-day period:

• Draft the Separation Contract covering:
  • Community real estate (sell, one keeps, deferred sale)
  • Bank accounts (split or assign)
  • Retirement accounts (QDRO for employer plans; IRA transfer for IRAs)
  • Vehicles (assign, refinance)
  • Debts (assign responsibility; include indemnification)
  • Spousal maintenance (amount + duration OR explicit mutual waiver)
  • Personal property
• Both spouses review and agree on all terms
• Both spouses sign before a notary
• If children: finalize Parenting Plan and Child Support Worksheets

Phase 7 — Submit Final Papers (After 90 Days)

• Confirm 90 days have passed since service (or co-petition filing)
• Prepare final submission:
  • Decree of Dissolution (with Separation Contract incorporated)
  • Vital Statistics Form (required in WA for all dissolutions)
  • If children: Parenting Plan, Child Support Order
  • If spousal maintenance: Spousal Maintenance Order
• Submit to the court for judicial review
• Judge signs the Decree (typically no hearing required for agreed dissolutions)

Phase 8 — Post-Dissolution

• Request 3–5 certified copies of the Decree of Dissolution
• Name restoration: SSA office → Washington DOL (driver's license) → bank accounts
• Real estate deed: New deed prepared → recorded at county Auditor's office
• Vehicle titles: Washington DOL
• Retirement accounts: QDRO for employer plans (401k, pension); IRA transfer letter for IRAs
• Beneficiary designations: Update 401k, IRA, life insurance, annuities, bank accounts
• Health insurance: Arrange COBRA or alternative within 60 days of dissolution

Washington-Specific Quick Reference

Last reviewed: March 2026 | Washington dissolution forms free at courts.wa.gov/forms

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