Uncontested divorce in Washington (2026)
Washington is a true no-fault state, so the only ground for divorce is that the marriage is irretrievably broken.
Washington quick facts
- Filing court
- Superior Court
- Residency
- Either spouse is a Washington resident (or a member of the armed forces stationed here); no fixed waiting-out period
- Waiting period
- 90 days
- Grounds
- No-fault: the marriage is irretrievably broken
- Court filing fee
- $314
- Fee waiver
- Available
Verified against courts.wa.gov on Jul 19, 2026
Washington is a true no-fault state, so the only ground for divorce is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. There is no separation requirement and no minimum time you must have lived here before filing; being a resident when you file is enough. What Washington does have is a firm 90-day clock.
That 90 days runs from the later of the day you file the petition and the day your spouse is served, and a judge cannot sign your final order until it passes. For a couple who agrees, the rest is largely paperwork filed in the superior court for your county: the petition and summons to open the case, then the findings and final divorce order to close it. Because Washington is a community-property state, your final order has to divide what you acquired during the marriage, which in an uncontested case means writing down the split you both accept.
County note. Washington's superior courts are county-run and many use local cover sheets and confirmation-of-issues forms on top of the statewide packet. King and Pierce counties, for instance, have their own scheduling and filing steps, so check your county clerk before you file.
Washington questions people actually ask
Is there a separation requirement in Washington?
When does the 90 days start?
Do we have to go to a hearing?
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