Deciding to file for divorce is a big step, but once you’ve made that call, you need to know what comes next. Washington’s process is not complicated, but there are rules, timelines and paperwork you will need to handle from day one. Here’s how it works and what to do when you are ready to move forward.
Understand Washington’s divorce requirements
Before you file, check that you meet the basic legal requirements. You or your spouse must live in Washington or serve here in the military. After you file, the court imposes a 90-day waiting period before finalizing anything. Washington uses a no-fault divorce model, which means you don’t need to prove that anyone caused the marriage to end. You only need to confirm that it’s irretrievably broken. That simplifies the process on paper, but you still need to track paperwork and timelines to stay on course.
Get your financial and legal documents in order
Once you know you are eligible to file, start gathering the records that show the full picture of your financial life: income statements, tax returns, bank account summaries, property records, debt balances and anything tied to your kids’ expenses or routines. Even if you plan to keep things amicable, the court requires these disclosures, and organizing them now helps you avoid delays, surprises or unnecessary friction later on.
File the petition and serve your spouse properly
To begin the divorce process, file a petition for dissolution with the court in your county and pay the required filing fee. Then serve your spouse with those papers in a way that meets court rules, either through personal delivery or a signed acknowledgment. The 90-day waiting period won’t start until your spouse receives proper notice, so make sure you complete this step promptly to keep the process moving forward.
Work through temporary orders if needed
If you and your spouse don’t live together or need a clear plan for parenting or finances during the divorce, you can request temporary orders. These orders can define who pays specific bills, where your children stay and how parenting time works until the case resolves. Many couples use them to create structure during this period and to avoid unnecessary confusion or conflict.
Start preparing for the next phase of divorce
Once you serve your spouse and the court accepts your petition, shift your focus to resolution. Begin gathering financial disclosures, look into settlement options and consider mediation if it fits your situation. Some divorces move quickly when both parties agree on the major issues, while others take more time and negotiation. Either way, you’ll move more confidently when you prepare for what comes next.
Take one step at a time, with the right support
You don’t need to solve everything right away. Just focus on taking the next clear step. Filing for divorce in Washington comes with legal rules and personal decisions, but you don’t have to face them alone. Whether you are focused on protecting your assets, creating stability for your kids or simply making sure your voice carries weight, the right support can help you move forward with confidence and clarity.
