Washington Dissolution Costs and Filing Fees (2026)

Washington's filing fee is moderate, and the co-petition option eliminates service costs entirely for agreed dissolutions.

Core Filing Costs

FeeCost
Superior Court filing fee$280–$314 (varies by county)
Certified copies of Decree$5–$20 per copy
Sheriff service (if needed)$30–$60
Private process server$50–$100

Confirm the current fee with your specific county's Superior Court Clerk before filing.

County Fee Examples

CountyApprox. Filing Fee
King (Seattle)$314
Pierce (Tacoma)$290
Snohomish$290
Spokane$280
Clark$280
Thurston$280
Whatcom$280

Ancillary Costs

ItemEstimated Cost
QDRO (employer retirement plan)$400–$1,500 per plan
Real estate deed preparation$300–$600
Deed recording at county Auditor$50–$150
Property appraisal (if needed)$400–$800
Mediator (if property disagreement)$200–$400/hour
Attorney for limited help (PSA review)$300–$800

Fee Waiver

Washington courts offer fee waivers (in forma pauperis) for qualifying low-income filers.

How to apply:

  1. Complete Form WPF DRPSCU 01.0100 (Petition — with fee waiver request) or the separate fee waiver application
  2. Submit a financial declaration
  3. Court reviews and approves or denies
  4. If approved: filing fee waived; service fees may also be waived

Qualify if: Monthly income is at or near federal poverty level, or you receive public assistance.

Total Cost Estimates

ScenarioEstimated Total
Co-petition, agreed, no real estate or retirement$300–$400
Individual petition, agreed, no real estate or retirement$380–$550
With real estate transfer and QDRO$1,000–$2,500
With children (agreed parenting plan)$400–$700
Partially contested (mediation)$2,000–$6,000
Fully contested through trial$15,000–$50,000+

Last reviewed: March 2026 | Fees vary by county — confirm with your Superior Court Clerk

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