Washington state divorce forms: every form you need and how to file

Last updated 2026-07-10

What forms do you need to file for divorce in Washington state?

Washington uses standardized court forms for most divorces, so you don't draft anything from scratch. The Washington Courts website publishes a free packet of approved forms you can download today. ^[1]

For an uncontested divorce with no children and no real property, the minimum set is:

Form number	Form name	Purpose
FL Divorce 201	Petition for Divorce (Dissolution)	Starts the case; one spouse files this
FL Divorce 203	Summons	Notifies the other spouse of the case
FL All Family 130	Confidential Information Form	Keeps SSNs and financial IDs off the public docket
FL Divorce 241	Decree of Dissolution	The final order signed by the judge
FL Divorce 231	Motion and Declaration for Default	Needed if your spouse does not respond
FL Divorce 221	Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law	Supports the decree; most courts require this

If you have minor children, add these:

Form number	Form name	Purpose
FL All Family 140	Parenting Plan	Sets custody, visitation, and decision-making
FL All Family 132	Child Support Order	Required by Washington law in every case with kids
FL All Family 133	Child Support Worksheets	The math behind the order; both parents' incomes go here
FL Divorce 223	Residential Schedule	Attached to the Parenting Plan in some counties

A few counties add local supplemental forms. King County, for example, requires a Local Civil Rule cover sheet for certain filings. Check your county superior court's self-help page before you file. ^[2]

The form numbers look scary. The logic isn't. "FL" means Family Law, the next word names the category, and the number runs roughly in the order you'll use it. Once that clicks, the packet stops reading like a foreign language.

Where do you get Washington divorce forms for free?

The Washington Courts website (courts.wa.gov) hosts every approved family law form as a free fillable PDF. No signup. ^[1] Click "Forms," then "Family Law," then "Divorce," and you'll see the full packet grouped by topic: general forms, parenting forms, financial forms, and final orders.

Your county superior court clerk hands out paper copies too, usually free, though some counties charge a small copying fee (typically $0.25 to $0.50 per page). The clerk can't tell you which forms to use or how to fill them out. They can confirm you've got the right form numbers for your county.

Washington's Office of Civil Legal Aid funds family law facilitators and self-help centers at superior courts across the state. ^[3] Facilitators aren't your attorneys, but they'll review your completed forms for errors before you file. That free review has kept a lot of pro se filers from getting their paperwork bounced.

King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties (among others) run online portals that build forms from your answers to plain-English questions. Use them if your county offers one. They cut transcription mistakes and auto-fill repeated fields like names and case numbers.

Want the whole packet pre-assembled and checked instead of downloading and collating seven forms yourself? DivorceClear sells a complete Washington uncontested divorce document packet for $149, with forms matched to your county. That's genuinely useful if form-hunting drives you up the wall. The court's free forms work fine if you're patient. More on that choice at the end.

What are the Washington state residency requirements before you can file?

Either you or your spouse has to be a Washington resident to file here. ^[4] Washington sets no minimum residency duration, which is unusual. Most states require 60 to 180 days; Washington asks only that at least one party is a resident at the time of filing.

File in the superior court of the county where either spouse lives. If you live in King County and your spouse lives in Spokane County, you pick. Choose the county that's easier to reach for hearings, because one or both of you may need to show up in person.

Residency goes on the Petition (FL Divorce 201) itself. You state your county of residence and certify it under penalty of perjury. Most counties don't require a separate affidavit.

How do you fill out the Washington divorce petition (FL Divorce 201)?

The Petition for Divorce opens your case. It tells the court who you are, when you married, what you want decided, and why Washington has jurisdiction.

Work through it in order:

1. Header section. Fill in the county name, your name as "Petitioner," and your spouse's name as "Respondent." Leave the case number blank. The clerk assigns it when you file.

2. Marriage information. Enter your date and place of marriage. If you don't remember the exact date, use the month and year.

3. Grounds. Washington is a no-fault state. The only ground for divorce is "irretrievable breakdown of the marriage." ^[4] Check that box. You don't need to prove fault, allege abuse, or explain anything further.

4. Children. List every minor child of the marriage with their birth dates. If you're pregnant at the time of filing, note that too.

5. Property and debt. Describe what you want done with community property and separate property. In an uncontested divorce, this section usually says you and your spouse already agreed on a division and you attach or reference your Settlement Agreement.

6. Spousal support. If either party wants alimony, state the requested amount and duration here. If neither wants it, check the waiver box.

7. Signature. Sign in front of a notary or under penalty of perjury, depending on your county's instructions. Many counties no longer require notarization on the petition itself. Check your county's local rules before you skip the notary.

The errors that get filings returned are boring and preventable: leaving a case number filled in from a template (it should be blank), writing dates in the wrong format (the court wants MM/DD/YYYY), or forgetting to check the residency certification box. Easy to fix, easier to avoid.

How do you serve divorce papers on your spouse in Washington?

Service is the formal delivery of the Summons and Petition to your spouse so they know a case has been filed. Washington's civil rules govern service in family law cases. ^[5]

You have three main options.

Personal service. A person 18 or older who is not a party to the case hands the documents to your spouse. That can be a friend, a process server, or the sheriff's office. The server then completes an Affidavit of Service stating when, where, and how they delivered the papers. Personal service starts the 20-day response clock right away.

Acceptance of service. Your spouse signs a document called Acceptance of Service (FL All Family 117), acknowledging they got the papers voluntarily. This works well in friendly divorces where your spouse cooperates. Have them sign it in front of a notary.

Service by mail with acknowledgment. You mail the papers and your spouse signs and returns an acknowledgment form. It counts as valid service only once the signed acknowledgment comes back to you.

You can't serve your spouse yourself. That's the one firm rule. Someone else has to do it.

After service, you file the Proof of Service with the court. Your spouse's response window (20 days in state, 60 days out of state) runs from the date of service, not the date you filed. ^[5]

Can't find your spouse after a real search? You can ask the court for permission to serve by publication in a newspaper. That process takes roughly six weeks and needs a separate motion and order. It's rare in uncontested divorces, because by definition you two are cooperating.

What is the mandatory waiting period in Washington and when does it start?

Washington has a mandatory 90-day waiting period that starts the day the Respondent is served. ^[4] The court can't enter a final decree before those 90 days are up, even if both spouses agree on everything and the paperwork is flawless.

This is one of the longer waits in the country. California and Texas require 60 days; some states have no minimum at all. Washington's rule comes from RCW 26.09.030, which reads: "No decree of dissolution shall be granted until three months after the service of the summons."

In practice, uncontested Washington divorces run 3 to 6 months from filing to final decree. The reasons:

• The 90-day wait is mandatory.
• Busy counties like King and Pierce schedule default or final order hearings weeks out.
• Paperwork errors add correction time.

King County's superior court handles tens of thousands of family law cases a year, which stacks scheduling delays on top of the statutory wait. Rural counties often move faster. Nobody has published a rigorous statewide average for uncontested Washington divorces specifically; the court's own data tracks case closures, not uncontested-only timelines.

How much does it cost to file Washington divorce forms?

Washington filing fees are set by statute and stay fairly consistent across counties, with small variations. ^[6]

Fee type	Typical amount
Petition filing fee	$314 (most counties as of 2024)
Response filing fee	$314 if your spouse responds
Service by sheriff	$60 to $100 depending on county
Certified copy of decree	$5 to $20 per copy depending on county
E-filing convenience fee	$1 to $5 per filing

The $314 petition fee is the main out-of-pocket cost for a purely self-represented uncontested divorce. Your spouse pays no response fee if you two cooperate and they sign an Acceptance of Service instead of filing a formal Response.

Can't afford the filing fee? Washington courts have a waiver process. You file a Motion and Declaration for Waiver of Filing Fees (the GR 34 form). ^[7] The standard is whether you qualify for public assistance or your income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. The clerk can give you the application.

Private process server fees, if you skip the sheriff, typically run $50 to $150 depending on location and how many attempts it takes. A private server is usually faster than the sheriff and worth the money in busy counties.

For context, a divorce attorney in Washington charges $1,500 to $5,000 for a simple uncontested divorce, sometimes more in Seattle. Doing it yourself with court forms costs $314 plus copies and service. The gap is real.

What is a Settlement Agreement and do you need one for Washington divorce forms?

A Settlement Agreement, sometimes called a Property Settlement Agreement or Separation Agreement, is a contract between you and your spouse laying out how you split everything: property, debts, retirement accounts, and any spousal support. It's not a numbered Washington court form, but it's a required attachment in nearly every uncontested divorce.

The court uses your Settlement Agreement as the factual basis for the Decree. The Decree is the court order, but it draws its substance from what your agreement says. If the two conflict, the Decree controls, which is exactly why you want them to match word for word.

Your Agreement needs to cover:

• All real property (houses, land) with legal descriptions
• Vehicle titles
• Bank accounts and investment accounts
• Retirement accounts, including whether a QDRO is needed
• Credit card and loan debts, assigned to one party or the other
• Any waiver or grant of spousal maintenance

Both spouses sign the Agreement, usually in front of a notary. Some attorneys argue notarization isn't strictly required under Washington contract law, but courts strongly prefer it and clerks may kick unnotarized agreements back.

Dividing a 401(k) or pension takes a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO), a separate court order sent to the retirement plan administrator. A QDRO is not a standard court form. It's usually drafted by the plan administrator or an attorney who specializes in them. Don't skip this step. Plenty of people finalize their divorce, then discover they have to go back to court for a QDRO, which costs months and money.

How does the parenting plan form work in Washington divorces with kids?

If you have minor children, the Parenting Plan (FL All Family 140) is one of the most important documents in your packet. Washington law requires a parenting plan in every dissolution involving children. ^[8]

The Parenting Plan covers:

• Primary residential placement (where the child lives most of the time)
• A residential schedule, day by day if needed, for regular time, holidays, and school breaks
• Decision-making authority for education, healthcare, and religious upbringing
• Dispute resolution procedures
• Any restrictions on a parent's contact if there are safety concerns

Washington courts apply a "best interests of the child" standard when reviewing parenting plans. ^[8] In an uncontested divorce, the parents propose the plan together and the court reviews it. Most agreed parenting plans get approved without a hearing if they look reasonable and the child support worksheets are done correctly.

Child support runs on Washington's child support schedule, a statutory formula based on both parents' net incomes and the number of children. ^[9] You fill out the Child Support Worksheets (FL All Family 133) using actual income figures. The resulting presumptive support amount can shift up or down for day care costs, health insurance premiums, and extraordinary medical expenses.

Run a child support calculator before you fill out the worksheets to check your numbers. Washington's Division of Child Support publishes its own calculator online. ^[9]

Leaving child support blank, or agreeing to zero support without court approval, is not valid in Washington. Even in cooperative divorces, the court requires a completed worksheet and a specific dollar figure in the Child Support Order.

How do you file completed Washington divorce forms with the court?

Washington has pushed hard toward e-filing. Most superior courts now require attorneys to e-file, and many accept or encourage e-filing from self-represented parties through the state's authorized system (currently Tyler Technologies' Odyssey File and Serve for most counties). ^[10]

To file in person or by mail:

1. Make at least two copies of every form. The court keeps the original, you keep a copy, and your spouse gets a copy. 2. Go to the superior court clerk's window in your county. 3. Present your Petition, Summons, Confidential Information Form, and any attachments. 4. Pay the $314 filing fee (cash, check, or card, depending on county). 5. The clerk stamps your documents with the date and case number, hands back your copies, and your case is open.

To e-file:

1. Create an account on your county's e-filing portal. 2. Upload PDFs of your completed forms. 3. Pay the filing fee online plus a small e-filing convenience fee. 4. The system confirms filing and sends you a file-stamped copy electronically.

After filing, your next step is service. After service and the 90-day wait, you file your final order paperwork: the Decree of Dissolution, Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, and (if applicable) the Parenting Plan and Child Support Order. Some counties require a final hearing; others process uncontested final orders on the papers alone. Check your county's local rules.

If your spouse doesn't respond within 20 days of service (or 60 days if out of state), you file a Motion and Declaration for Default (FL Divorce 231). The court can then enter the Decree without your spouse's participation, based on what your Petition requested.

What happens after you file: the path from forms to final decree

Here's the sequence from first filing to final decree in a standard uncontested Washington divorce:

1. File the Petition and Summons. Case number assigned. 2. Serve your spouse. Response clock starts. 3. Wait 90 days from service. Mandatory. 4. Prepare final order documents. Decree, Findings, Settlement Agreement, and Parenting Plan (if kids). 5. File final documents with the clerk. 6. Attend a hearing if your county requires one, or submit on the papers. 7. Judge signs the Decree. You're divorced as of that date. 8. Get certified copies of the Decree. You'll need them to change your name, close joint accounts, update beneficiaries, and transfer titles.

Name change: if you want to restore a former name, request it in the Petition or the Decree. Washington courts routinely grant name restoration at divorce without a separate legal name change case.

After the Decree is signed, take it to:

• Social Security Administration (to update your record with a name change)
• DMV (for driver's license and vehicle titles)
• Your bank
• Your employer's HR department (for benefits and tax withholding)
• Beneficiary designations on life insurance and retirement accounts

The divorce papers article on this site covers what to do with your documents after filing, including which agencies need originals versus certified copies.

Got a complicated situation, say a contested custody dispute or a business to value? A self-represented divorce is a harder road. A divorce lawyer consult for a few hundred dollars can save you real time and money before things escalate. For most people reading this, though, an uncontested divorce with standard forms is entirely manageable.

If you'd rather have your paperwork pre-assembled and checked for completeness, DivorceClear offers a $149 Washington uncontested divorce packet with the full set of forms matched to your county, plus instructions. Service or free court forms, the process is the same. You're just choosing how much hand-holding you want.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get Washington divorce forms online for free?

Yes. The Washington Courts website (courts.wa.gov) publishes every approved family law form as a free fillable PDF. No account needed. Your county superior court clerk also hands out paper copies, sometimes for a small copying fee. There's no reason to pay for forms the court itself provides free.

How long does an uncontested divorce take in Washington state?

At minimum, 90 days from service of the Summons, because RCW 26.09.030 bars the court from entering a final decree before then. In practice, most uncontested Washington divorces run 3 to 6 months, counting the waiting period, scheduling, and any paperwork corrections. Busy counties like King and Pierce add scheduling time on top of the statutory minimum.

Does Washington have a residency requirement for divorce?

Washington sets no minimum residency duration, which is unusual. At least one spouse must be a Washington resident at the time of filing. File in the superior court of the county where either spouse lives. You certify your residency on the Petition itself under penalty of perjury.

What is the filing fee for a divorce in Washington state?

Most Washington counties charge $314 to file a Petition for Dissolution as of 2024. Your spouse pays a separate $314 response fee only if they formally respond. If you can't afford the fee, apply for a waiver using the GR 34 motion. The standard is income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, or qualification for public assistance.

Do I need a lawyer to file for divorce in Washington state?

No. Washington allows self-represented (pro se) parties in all family law matters. Many uncontested divorces finish without any attorney. Court self-help centers and family law facilitators review your forms for errors at no charge. For complex situations involving contested custody, a business, or significant assets, getting legal advice before filing is worth considering.

What is form FL Divorce 201?

FL Divorce 201 is the Petition for Divorce (Dissolution of Marriage) in Washington. It's the document that starts your case. You fill in the parties' names, marriage date, grounds (irretrievable breakdown), children, property, and any request for spousal support, then file it with the superior court clerk in your county.

How do I serve my spouse with divorce papers in Washington?

You can't serve your spouse yourself. A person 18 or older who is not a party to the case must deliver the Summons and Petition. Options: a friend, a private process server, or the sheriff's office. Your spouse can also voluntarily sign an Acceptance of Service form. After service, the server files an Affidavit of Service with the court.

Is Washington a no-fault divorce state?

Yes. Washington is a pure no-fault state. The only recognized ground for divorce is irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, per RCW 26.09.030. You check a box on the Petition. You don't prove fault, allege adultery, or explain why the marriage ended. The court doesn't weigh marital misconduct in the divorce itself, though financial misconduct can affect property division.

What forms do I need for divorce with children in Washington?

Add a Parenting Plan (FL All Family 140), Child Support Order (FL All Family 132), and Child Support Worksheets (FL All Family 133) to the standard packet. The parenting plan covers residential placement, schedules, and decision-making. The worksheets calculate support from both parents' net incomes. Washington law requires a completed worksheet and a specific dollar amount in every case with minor children.

Do I need a Settlement Agreement for a Washington divorce?

Yes, in practice. A Settlement Agreement (also called a Property Settlement or Separation Agreement) documents how you and your spouse divide property, debts, and any spousal maintenance. It's not a numbered court form, but courts require it as an attachment to support the Decree. Both spouses sign it, ideally before a notary. Omitting it or leaving it vague is the most common reason uncontested decrees stall.

Can I e-file Washington divorce forms?

Yes. Most Washington superior courts accept or encourage e-filing from self-represented parties through the state's authorized system. King, Pierce, Snohomish, and many other counties run online portals. You upload PDFs, pay the filing fee plus a small convenience fee, and get a file-stamped confirmation electronically. Check your county's superior court website for its e-filing instructions.

What is a default divorce in Washington and when do I use it?

A default divorce applies when you file and properly serve your spouse, but they don't respond within 20 days (or 60 days if out of state). You file a Motion and Declaration for Default (FL Divorce 231), and the court can enter the Decree based on what your Petition requested, without your spouse's participation. Proper service is required for a default to be valid.

Do Washington divorce forms expire or change over time?

Yes. Washington's standardized family law forms get updated periodically by the Washington Pattern Forms Committee. Using an outdated form is a common reason for rejection. Download forms directly from courts.wa.gov right before you file, and check that the revision date printed on the form matches the current version online. Forms from old packets or third-party sites may be obsolete.

Sources

1. Washington Courts, Family Law Forms: Washington Courts publishes all approved family law forms including the FL Divorce series as free fillable PDFs
2. King County Superior Court, Family Law Self-Help: King County requires local supplemental forms for certain family law filings
3. Washington State Office of Civil Legal Aid: Washington State Office of Civil Legal Aid funds family law facilitators and self-help centers at superior courts
4. Washington State Legislature, RCW 26.09.030: Washington requires no minimum residency duration, requires irretrievable breakdown as the ground for divorce, and mandates a 90-day waiting period after service before a decree can be entered
5. Washington State Legislature, RCW 4.28.080: Washington civil rules governing service of process, including the 20-day response period for in-state respondents and 60 days for out-of-state
6. Washington State Legislature, RCW 36.18.016: Washington statute setting civil filing fees, basis for the $314 petition filing fee in superior court
7. Washington Courts, General Rule 34 (Fee Waivers): Washington GR 34 governs fee waivers for parties at or below 200% of the federal poverty level or who qualify for public assistance
8. Washington State Legislature, RCW 26.09.181: Washington law requires a parenting plan in every dissolution involving minor children and applies a best interests of the child standard
9. Washington State Division of Child Support: Washington child support is calculated using a statutory schedule based on both parents' net incomes; the Division of Child Support publishes an online calculator
10. Washington Courts, E-Filing Information: Most Washington superior courts accept or require e-filing through authorized platforms including Tyler Technologies Odyssey for self-represented parties