This figure is an estimate and has not yet been checked against the current court fee schedule. Confirm with Washington Courts before you file.
Washington divorce cost summary
Here's the at-a-glance breakdown for Washington. Run the calculator above for an estimate matched to your exact situation.
| Scenario | Estimated total | Typical timeline |
|---|---|---|
| DIY uncontested (no lawyer) | $314 – $814 | Waiting period + processing |
| Uncontested with attorney | $1,814 – $4,314 | 2–6 months |
| Mediation (shared between spouses) | $1,000 – $4,000 | 1–4 months |
| Contested (average) | $7,000 – $23,000 | 9–18 months |
| Court filing fee | $314 | — |
Divorce filing fees in Washington
The fee to file a divorce petition with the Washington Courts (courts.wa.gov) is approximately $314. If your spouse files a formal response, a first-appearance fee may apply on their side as well, so a fully contested case can start at roughly $628 in court fees before anything else.
Some counties add small local surcharges, so the exact figure can vary by a few dollars depending on where you file. If you cannot afford the fee, Washington offers a fee waiver based on income — if granted, you pay nothing to file.
How long does divorce take in Washington?
Washington imposes a waiting period of 90 days. This is the legal minimum before a divorce can be finalised — it applies even when both spouses agree on everything from day one.
- Uncontested divorce: typically the waiting period plus court processing time
- Contested divorce: commonly 9–18 months, longer if custody or significant property is disputed
- Mediation: can shorten a contested case and reduce overall cost
Washington residency requirements
To file for divorce in Washington, the residency requirement is Resident at filing. If you don't yet qualify, you may be able to file for legal separation first and convert to divorce once you meet the requirement.
Uncontested divorce cost in Washington
If you and your spouse agree on property, support and (if applicable) custody, costs can be limited to the $314 filing fee plus optional help:
- Pure DIY: $314–$814 using the court's self-help forms
- Online document service: roughly $814–$1,814 total
- Attorney-reviewed uncontested case: roughly $1,814 – $4,314 total
Contested divorce cost in Washington
Family-law rates in Washington commonly run $300–$700/hr. A contested divorce typically costs $9,000 – $25,000 in attorney fees, and cases with custody evaluations, business valuations or forensic accounting can run higher. Mediation ($1,000–$4,000) is often the most effective way to bring a contested case back toward uncontested pricing.
Can I file for divorce without a lawyer in Washington?
Yes. Washington courts publish the required forms, and uncontested cases are routinely completed without attorneys. The simpler your situation — no minor children, limited shared property, full agreement — the more likely a DIY filing is appropriate. Use the calculator above to check your estimated DIY eligibility.
Washington divorce FAQ
How much does a divorce cost in Washington?
What is the divorce filing fee in Washington?
How long does a divorce take in Washington?
How much does an uncontested divorce cost in Washington?
How much does a contested divorce cost in Washington?
How much does a divorce lawyer cost in Washington?
Can I get divorced without a lawyer in Washington?
What is the residency requirement for divorce in Washington?
Is there a waiting period for divorce in Washington?
How can I reduce my divorce costs in Washington?
Washington divorce cost guides
Sources
- Washington Courts ↗ — fee schedule & divorce procedures
- Washington statutes on waiting period and residency ↗
- State bar association & published legal-fee surveys — attorney cost ranges (estimates, not quotes)
- How we compile and verify these figures
Content last updated: 20 Jun 2026 · Filing fee not yet independently verified — treat as an estimate and confirm with the court before filing.