Reviewed by: Jordan Walker, J.D
Last Updated: November 2026 | Reading Time: 12 Minutes
Key Takeaways
- A Washington divorce takes at least 90 days. The clock runs from when the petition is filed and served, and it can’t be waived.
- Agreed (uncontested) divorces often finish soon after the 90 days are up.
- Contested divorces often take many months, and cases that go to trial can take a year or longer.
- Your spouse usually has 20 days to respond after being served in Washington, longer if served out of state or by mail.
- Parents have extra steps, including a parenting plan and, in many counties, a parenting class.
- Agreeing on more issues, sharing financial information early and using mediation can shorten the process.
A divorce in Washington State takes at least 90 days, because RCW 26.09.030 requires a waiting period after the petition is filed and served. Couples who agree on everything often finish shortly after that. Contested divorces, especially those involving children, property disputes or a trial, commonly take several months to a year or more.
If you’re facing a divorce, it’s normal to want to know how long it will last. You may be trying to plan a move, a budget or what to tell your kids. And not knowing the timeline can make an already stressful time feel even harder.
We’ll walk through each stage of a Washington divorce, how long each one tends to take, and what you can do to keep things moving. For timelines in other states, see our guide to divorce timelines in other states.
In this guide, we’ll explain:
- The minimum time a Washington divorce can take
- Typical timelines for uncontested and contested divorces
- Each step of the process, from forms to final orders
- Extra steps for parents
- What can slow a divorce down, and how to avoid delays
- Low-cost options and whether you can file without a lawyer
Table of Contents
- What Is the Minimum Time to Get Divorced in Washington?
- Washington Divorce Timeline at a Glance
- How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Washington?
- How Long Does a Contested Divorce Take in Washington?
- Washington Divorce Process Step by Step
- What If You Have Children?
- What Can Slow Down a Washington Divorce?
- Can You Get Divorced in Washington Without a Lawyer?
- Low-Cost Divorce Options for Cooperative Couples
- How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Washington?
- Example: Two Washington Divorce Timelines
- Common Mistakes That Delay a Washington Divorce
- What Should You Do Before Filing for Divorce in Washington?
- Frequently Asked Questions About How Long a Divorce Takes in Washington
- Why Washington Families Choose Modern Family Law
What Is the Minimum Time to Get Divorced in Washington?
The shortest possible Washington divorce takes 90 days. Under RCW 26.09.030, a judge can’t sign a final divorce order until 90 days have passed since the petition was filed and since your spouse was served (or joined the petition). This waiting period applies even if you and your spouse agree on everything, and it can’t be waived.
Washington is a no-fault divorce state, so you only need to state that the marriage is irretrievably broken. There’s also no minimum time you must live in Washington before filing. Generally, you can file if you or your spouse lives in Washington, or if one of you is a member of the military stationed here.
Washington Divorce Timeline at a Glance
Every case is different, but here’s how a typical Washington divorce unfolds.
| Stage | Typical timing | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Prepare and file | A few days to a few weeks | Fill out the petition and related forms and file them with the Superior Court clerk |
| Serve your spouse | Days to several weeks | Your spouse is served, signs a Service Accepted form, or joins the petition |
| Response | 20 days after service in Washington (60 or 90 days in some cases) | Your spouse agrees, disagrees or doesn’t respond |
| Temporary orders | Often within the first few weeks, if needed | The court can set temporary rules for children, support and the home |
| Waiting period | At least 90 days from filing and service | You exchange information, negotiate or mediate |
| Finalize by agreement | Often soon after day 90 | You sign final orders and a judge enters them |
| Finalize by trial | Often a year or longer | A judge decides the issues you couldn’t settle |
How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Washington?
An uncontested divorce, where you and your spouse agree on every issue, is the fastest path. Many agreed divorces are finalized not long after the 90-day waiting period ends.
There are two common ways to keep an uncontested divorce simple:
- Joinder: Your spouse signs an agreement to join the petition. They don’t need to be formally served or file a response.
- Service Accepted: Your spouse signs a form saying they received the papers, which avoids hiring a process server.
If your spouse is properly served but never responds, you can ask the court for a default order. A judge may then sign final orders based on your petition, usually without a trial.
Important: “Uncontested” means you agree on everything: property, debts, support, and a parenting plan and child support if you have children. If even one issue is in dispute, the case may take longer.
How Long Does a Contested Divorce Take in Washington?
A contested divorce is one where you and your spouse disagree on one or more issues. These cases often take several months to a year or more, depending on how many issues are in dispute and how busy your county’s court is.
Contested divorces usually involve more steps:
- Discovery: Each side requests financial documents and information.
- Temporary orders: Hearings to set rules while the case is pending.
- Mediation or a settlement conference: Many courts encourage or require these before trial.
- Trial: A judge decides any issues you still can’t agree on.
Common disputes include how Washington divides property, spousal support in Washington and parenting time. Many contested cases still settle before trial, which can save months.
If your divorce is contested, our Seattle divorce lawyers, Bellevue divorce attorneys and Everett divorce lawyers can help you plan each step.
Washington Divorce Process Step by Step
Step 1: Fill Out the Divorce Forms
The main forms are the Summons (FL Divorce 200) and the Petition for Divorce (FL Divorce 201), plus a Confidential Information form and others depending on your situation. You can complete them with Washington Forms Online or get them from the courts. See our guide to common Washington divorce forms.
Step 2: File With the Superior Court
You file in the Superior Court of a county where you or your spouse lives. The filing fee is $364, according to Washington Law Help, and you can ask for a fee waiver if you can’t afford it. For local details, see filing for divorce in Seattle, where to file in Bellevue and where to file in Everett.
Step 3: Serve Your Spouse
Someone other than you, who is at least 18, usually must hand-deliver the papers to your spouse. Your spouse can instead sign a Service Accepted form or join the petition.
Step 4: Wait for a Response
Your spouse generally has 20 days to respond if served in Washington, 60 days if served outside the state, and 90 days if served by mail or publication. A person who is in jail or prison when served has 60 days.
Step 5: Ask for Temporary Orders, If Needed
Either spouse can ask the court for temporary orders about the children, support, the home, debts or safety. These stay in place until the final orders are entered.
Step 6: Exchange Information and Negotiate
During the waiting period, you’ll gather financial information, exchange documents and try to reach agreements, often with help from mediation.
Step 7: Finalize the Divorce
If you agree, you both sign final orders, and a judge signs them after the 90 days are up. If you don’t agree, the case goes to trial. You’re legally divorced once the judge signs the Final Divorce Order and it’s filed with the clerk.
What If You Have Children?
Divorces with children have a few more steps, which can add time:
- Parenting plan: You’ll need a parenting plan covering where the children live, decision-making and the schedule. Under RCW 26.09.181, a final parenting plan also can’t be entered sooner than 90 days after filing and service.
- Parenting class: Many Washington counties require divorcing parents to attend a parenting seminar. Check your county’s local rules.
- Child support: Child support is calculated using Washington’s child support worksheets. Our Washington child support calculator can give you an estimate.
If you have questions about schedules or decision-making, see our Washington custody FAQs, or talk with our Seattle child custody lawyers.
What Can Slow Down a Washington Divorce?
| Factor | Why it adds time | What can help |
|---|---|---|
| Disagreement over children | Parenting plan disputes may need evaluations or hearings | Mediation, a detailed proposed plan |
| Complex finances | Businesses, retirement accounts and real estate may need valuations | Gathering records early |
| Slow financial disclosure | Missing documents stall negotiations | Sharing information up front |
| Difficulty serving your spouse | You can’t start the response clock until they’re served | Service Accepted or joinder |
| Busy court calendars | Trial dates depend on the county | Settling issues before trial |
| High conflict | Every issue takes longer to resolve | Communicating through attorneys or a co-parenting app |
Debt can also complicate things, especially with a shared mortgage. Learn more about dividing debt in Washington.
Can You Get Divorced in Washington Without a Lawyer?
Yes. Washington allows people to represent themselves, and the forms are free online. Many counties also have courthouse facilitators who can explain forms, though they can’t give legal advice.
Doing it yourself can work if your divorce is short and simple, you have no children, few assets and debts, and you and your spouse agree. It’s riskier if you have children, a home, retirement accounts, a business, significant debt or concerns about safety. Mistakes in final orders can be hard to fix later, so even couples who agree may benefit from having an attorney review their paperwork.
Low-Cost Divorce Options for Cooperative Couples
If you and your spouse can work together, you may be able to save time and money with:
- An agreed divorce: You resolve everything yourselves and file final orders together.
- Mediation: A neutral mediator helps you reach agreements without a trial.
- Collaborative divorce: Each spouse has a lawyer, and everyone agrees to settle outside court. Learn more about collaborative divorce in Washington.
- Limited-scope help: An attorney helps with specific tasks, like reviewing your agreement, instead of handling the whole case.
How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Washington?
The court filing fee is $364, according to Washington Law Help, and a fee waiver is available if you qualify. There may also be costs for service, parenting classes and copies.
Beyond that, cost depends mostly on how much you and your spouse agree. An agreed divorce with limited attorney help usually costs far less than a contested case with discovery, experts and a trial. The more issues you settle early, the lower your costs tend to be.
Example: Two Washington Divorce Timelines
Here are two illustrative examples, not real cases.
Dana and Chris have no children and rent their home. They agree on how to split their savings and car. Chris signs a joinder the day Dana files. They sign final orders, and a judge enters them shortly after the 90 days are up, about three to four months from start to finish.
Morgan and Sam have two children and own a home in Snohomish County. They disagree about the parenting schedule and whether to sell the house. After discovery, a home appraisal and two mediation sessions, they settle the house but not the schedule. The parenting issue goes to trial, and the divorce is final about 14 months after filing.
Common Mistakes That Delay a Washington Divorce
- Missing the response deadline. A default can be entered against a spouse who doesn’t respond in time.
- Incomplete forms. Errors can lead the clerk or judge to send papers back.
- Not sharing financial information. Delays in disclosure stall settlement.
- Waiting to address the parenting plan. It’s often the issue that takes longest.
- Skipping mediation. Settling even some issues can shorten the case.
- Moving money or property without agreement. It can create new disputes and court hearings.
What Should You Do Before Filing for Divorce in Washington?
1. Gather financial records.
Collect tax returns, pay stubs, bank and retirement statements, mortgage papers and debt balances.
2. List assets and debts.
Note what was acquired before and during the marriage.
3. Think through a parenting schedule.
Consider school, work hours and your children’s routines.
4. Make a short-term budget.
Plan for living costs while the divorce is pending.
5. Talk with an attorney.
Even a single consultation can help you spot issues early and choose the right path.
Frequently Asked Questions About How Long a Divorce Takes in Washington
Can you get a divorce in Washington in less than 90 days?
No. RCW 26.09.030 requires at least 90 days to pass after the petition is filed and your spouse is served or joins the petition. The waiting period can’t be waived, even if you agree on everything. Agreed divorces are often finalized shortly after the 90 days end.
When does the 90-day waiting period start?
The 90-day period is measured from when the petition was filed and from when your spouse was served or joined the petition. In practice, the clock runs from whichever of those happens later. Filing and serving promptly, or having your spouse sign a joinder, helps the clock start sooner.
How long does my spouse have to respond to divorce papers?
Usually 20 days if they’re served in Washington. They have 60 days if served outside Washington, and 90 days if served by mail or publication. A spouse who is in jail or prison when served has 60 days. A spouse who joins the petition doesn’t need to respond.
Can I get divorced if my spouse won’t sign anything?
Yes. Your spouse doesn’t have to agree to the divorce. If they’re properly served and don’t respond in time, you can ask the court for a default order. A judge can then sign final orders, generally based on what you asked for in your petition, without your spouse’s participation.
Is it hard to get a divorce in Washington?
Washington’s no-fault system makes getting divorced fairly straightforward, since you don’t have to prove wrongdoing. The difficulty usually depends on how much you and your spouse disagree. Simple, agreed divorces can be handled with court forms, while contested cases involving children or significant assets often benefit from an attorney.
How much does a divorce cost in Washington?
The filing fee is $364, according to Washington Law Help, and you can ask for a fee waiver if you can’t afford it. Your total cost depends mainly on whether your divorce is agreed or contested. Contested cases with discovery, experts and a trial cost significantly more than agreed divorces.
Do I have to go to court for an uncontested divorce in Washington?
It depends on your county. Some counties let agreed final orders be presented without a hearing or remotely, while others require a brief hearing. Ask your county’s Superior Court clerk or facilitator about local procedures, or have an attorney handle the final paperwork for you.
How long do you have to live in Washington to file for divorce?
There’s no minimum time. Generally, you can file if you or your spouse lives in Washington, or if one of you is in the military and stationed here. You’ll file in the Superior Court of a county where either of you lives.
Why Washington Families Choose Modern Family Law
At Modern Family Law, we focus only on family law. Our Washington family law offices help clients across the Puget Sound region with agreed divorces, contested cases, parenting plans, property division and support.
If you’re in the area, our teams at Seattle family lawyers, Bellevue family lawyers and Everett family lawyers also serve nearby communities, including our Kirkland family lawyers, Redmond family lawyers and Burien family lawyers. We’ll explain the process in plain language and help you choose the path that fits your family.
Talk to a Washington Divorce Attorney Today
Whether you’re hoping for a quick, agreed divorce or preparing for a contested case, you don’t have to figure out the timeline alone. Reach out to schedule a consultation with Modern Family Law, and we’ll help you understand what to expect and how to move forward.
Related Resources
- Legal separation in Washington: An alternative to divorce
- How child support is calculated in Washington: The basics of the worksheets
- Washington family law FAQs: Answers to common questions
This article is for general information and isn’t legal advice. Laws vary by state and change over time; speak with a licensed family law attorney about your situation.
