Washington Form FL Divorce 201, officially titled the Petition for Divorce (Dissolution), is the court paper one spouse files to ask a Washington Superior Court to legally end a marriage or registered domestic partnership. The person who files it is called the Petitioner, and the other spouse becomes the Respondent under RCW 26.09.020.
Filing this form starts the clock on Washington’s mandatory 90-day waiting period set by RCW 26.09.030, and a single wrong box can delay your divorce by months or get your case dismissed. According to the Washington State Center for Court Research, more than 25,000 dissolution petitions are filed in Washington each year, and self-represented filers make up roughly 70% of them.
Here is what you will learn in this guide:
- 📄 What FL Divorce 201 does and who must file it
- ✍️ A line-by-line walkthrough of every section, box, and signature line
- 👩⚖️ Three real-world filled-out examples covering short, long, and military marriages
- 💵 Every filing channel, fee, payment method, and processing time
- 🚫 The top mistakes that get petitions rejected and how to dodge them
What the Form Is and Who Must File It
Form FL Divorce 201 is Washington’s statewide Petition for Divorce (Dissolution of Marriage), approved by the Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). The current version carries a revision date of 6/2023, printed in the lower-left corner of every page, so always confirm you are using that stamp before filing. Any older version may be rejected by the county clerk under GR 14, which controls form format in Washington courts.
The form is filed by one spouse (or one registered domestic partner) who wants the court to legally end the marriage. You must file it in the Superior Court of the county where either spouse lives, under RCW 26.09.010. Washington is a no-fault state, which means you do not need to prove your spouse did anything wrong; you only need to say the marriage is irretrievably broken.
You must file FL Divorce 201 if you want the court to:
- End your marriage or domestic partnership
- Divide community property and community debts
- Set a parenting plan and child support if you have minor children
- Order spousal maintenance (alimony)
- Restore a former name
You should not use this form for a legal separation (use FL Divorce 202) or for an annulment, which Washington calls an invalidity action. If your spouse is in the military and on active duty, you still file FL Divorce 201, but you also need to follow the protections in the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.
The Petitioner is asking the court for orders, and the Respondent has 20 days to answer (60 days if served outside Washington) under Civil Rule 12. If the Respondent does not answer, the Petitioner can ask for a default judgment after the 90-day waiting period.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Open FL Divorce 201 only after you have gathered every piece of information below. Missing data is the number-one reason petitions sit unfiled on kitchen tables across Washington.
Use this pre-filing checklist:
- Marriage certificate. You need the exact date and county (or country) of marriage. Without it, Section 4 cannot be completed and the court cannot confirm jurisdiction.
- Full legal names of both spouses. Names must match government-issued ID. A typo here forces an amended petition under CR 15.
- Date of separation. The day you stopped living as a married couple. This date locks in when community property stops accruing under RCW 26.16.140.
- Residency proof. A Washington driver’s license, lease, or utility bill showing at least one spouse lives in Washington. Without residency, the court has no jurisdiction.
- Children’s full names and birth dates. Required for Section 6 if you have minor or dependent children of the marriage.
- List of real property. Street addresses and county parcel numbers for every home, land, or rental. Pull parcel numbers from your county assessor’s site.
- List of debts. Mortgages, car loans, credit cards, student loans, medical bills, and tax debts, with approximate balances.
- Retirement account statements. 401(k), IRA, pension, and TSP balances as of the separation date, needed for a future QDRO.
- Military status of both spouses. Active-duty status triggers SCRA protections and must be disclosed in Section 1.
- Filing fee or fee waiver. The statewide filing fee is $314, and counties add small surcharges. If you cannot pay, prepare a Motion for Fee Waiver under GR 34.
If any item is missing, stop and gather it first. Filing with blanks invites a Notice of Defect from the clerk, which can push your case back 2 to 4 weeks.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
The official PDF lives on the Washington Courts forms page, which is the only source the court guarantees is current. Download the form straight from that page; never use a copy emailed to you by a stranger or pulled from a paid third-party site, because edits to the PDF can void it.
You can complete FL Divorce 201 in three ways:
- Fillable PDF. Type directly into the boxes using Adobe Acrobat Reader, then print and sign.
- Print and handwrite. Print blank, then write in black ink in all capital letters.
- Guided interview. Use the free Washington Forms Online interview hosted by the Northwest Justice Project, which builds the PDF for you based on plain-English questions.
For low-cost help, every county has a Courthouse Facilitator under RCW 26.12.240 who reviews forms for completeness (but cannot give legal advice). King County’s facilitator office sits inside the King County Family Law Facilitator program, and similar offices exist in Pierce, Snohomish, Spokane, and Clark counties.
The form is 9 pages long in the 6/2023 revision and includes 14 numbered sections, a signature block, and an optional declaration page for parenting plan attachments. Print single-sided; county clerks reject double-sided filings under most local rules.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out FL Divorce 201 Line by Line
This is the spine of the article. Work through one section at a time and do not skip ahead, because later sections reference earlier ones.
Caption: County, Case Number, and Party Names
The caption sits at the very top of page 1 and tells the clerk which court receives the case.
What the field asks in plain English. It asks which Superior Court you are filing in, what your case number is (leave blank if new), and the legal names of the Petitioner and Respondent.
How to answer it. Write the county name in all caps in the “Superior Court of Washington, County of ___” line. Leave “No.” blank — the clerk assigns it when you file. Type the Petitioner’s full legal name on the “Petitioner” line and the Respondent’s on the “Respondent” line.
A specific example. Maria Elena Lopez writes KING on the county line, leaves No. blank, types Maria Elena Lopez as Petitioner, and types David Allen Lopez as Respondent.
A nuance. If a spouse uses a former or maiden name on official ID, list the current legal name and note the former name in Section 14 (Other Orders Requested) when asking for a name change.
A common mistake and its consequence. Filers often write the county where they were married instead of where they live now. The clerk in that county will reject the case for lack of venue under RCW 26.09.010, and you lose your filing fee.
A misconception. Many filers think the case number goes in the caption when they file. It does not. The clerk stamps the case number on intake, and any number you write yourself will be crossed out.
Section 1: Personal Information About the Spouses
This section identifies both spouses, including age, military status, and pregnancy status.
What the field asks in plain English. It asks the Petitioner’s and Respondent’s ages, whether either is a member of the armed forces, and whether the wife is currently pregnant.
How to answer it. Check the box for Petitioner is 18 or older and Respondent is 18 or older (or write the age if under 18, which is rare). Check yes or no for military service for each spouse. Check yes or no for pregnancy; if yes, list the due date in MM/DD/YYYY.
A specific example. Linda Carter checks Petitioner is 18 or older, checks no on military for herself, checks yes on military for her husband Robert Carter (Army), and checks no for pregnancy.
A nuance. If the wife is pregnant by someone other than the Respondent, you must still disclose the pregnancy because Washington presumes the husband is the legal father under RCW 26.26A.115.
A common mistake and its consequence. Skipping the military box for an active-duty Respondent is the most expensive mistake on the form. The court cannot enter a default judgment against an active-duty servicemember without the affidavit required by the SCRA, and your final orders will be void.
A misconception. Filers think “military service” means only active duty. It also covers National Guard members on Title 10 orders and reservists called up for more than 30 days.
Section 2: Jurisdiction Over the Respondent
Jurisdiction is the court’s legal power over your spouse, and Washington must have it to issue valid orders.
What the field asks in plain English. It asks why the Washington Superior Court has authority to make orders about the Respondent.
How to answer it. Check every box that applies: Respondent lives in Washington, the spouses last lived together in Washington, the Respondent agrees to Washington jurisdiction, or the marriage was conceived in Washington. At least one box must be checked.
A specific example. Jenna Rivera checks the Petitioner and Respondent lived in Washington during their marriage and the Petitioner continues to live in Washington because she stayed in Seattle after Mark Rivera moved to Oregon.
A nuance. If the Respondent has never lived in Washington and refuses to consent, the court may grant the divorce itself but cannot divide out-of-state property or order child support — that is called divisible divorce under Estin v. Estin, 334 U.S. 541.
A common mistake and its consequence. Checking no jurisdiction box leaves the court powerless to enter orders against the Respondent. The clerk may file the case but a judge will dismiss it at the first hearing.
A misconception. People assume that because they live in Washington, the court automatically has jurisdiction over their spouse. It does not — jurisdiction over the Respondent is separate from venue over the case.
Section 3: Residency of the Petitioner
Washington has no minimum residency period, but at least one party must be a Washington resident at the moment of filing.
What the field asks in plain English. It asks whether the Petitioner, the Respondent, or both currently live in Washington (or are stationed here on military orders).
How to answer it. Check the box that matches the truth. If the Petitioner lives in Washington, check that box. If only the Respondent lives in Washington, check that box. If you are a military member stationed in Washington, check the military box.
A specific example. Carlos Mendoza, an active-duty soldier stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, checks the Petitioner is a member of the armed forces and has been stationed in Washington, even though his official home of record is Texas.
A nuance. Washington is one of only a few states with no waiting period for residency under RCW 26.09.030; you can file the day you move in if you intend to stay.
A common mistake and its consequence. Petitioners who recently moved sometimes check the box without truly intending to stay. If the Respondent challenges residency, the court can dismiss the case for lack of subject matter jurisdiction.
A misconception. Many filers believe Washington requires 6 months of residency like California. It does not. Washington has no fixed residency period at all.
Section 4: Marriage and Domestic Partnership
This section nails down the date, place, and current status of the marriage.
What the field asks in plain English. It asks when and where you got married, and whether the marriage is irretrievably broken.
How to answer it. Write the marriage date in MM/DD/YYYY format on the date line. Write the city and state (or country) of marriage. Check the box stating the marriage is irretrievably broken.
A specific example. Linda Carter writes 06/14/2007 and Tacoma, Washington, and checks the marriage is irretrievably broken.
A nuance. If you were married in another country, write the country exactly as it appears on the marriage certificate (e.g., Republic of the Philippines), because courts cross-check with consular records.
A common mistake and its consequence. Filers often guess the marriage date. A wrong date can void community property division because community status begins on the actual date of marriage under RCW 26.16.030.
A misconception. Filers think they must prove the marriage is broken. They do not — under Washington’s no-fault rule, the statement alone is enough.
Section 5: Separation
The separation date is the cutoff for the community estate, so it carries serious financial weight.
What the field asks in plain English. It asks the date you and your spouse stopped living together as a married couple.
How to answer it. Write the separation date in MM/DD/YYYY format. If you still live in the same house but in different bedrooms with separate finances, you may use the date you began living “separately under one roof.”
A specific example. David Lopez writes 02/10/2024 because that is the day he moved into a friend’s apartment in Bellevue.
A nuance. If you reconciled briefly and separated again, use the most recent separation date, because courts look at the final break under In re Marriage of Short, 125 Wn.2d 865.
A common mistake and its consequence. Picking a too-early date to shield a bonus or paycheck can be considered fraud on the court, and a judge can re-open property division under CR 60.
A misconception. Filers think separation requires filing for legal separation first. It does not — separation is a factual date, not a court order.
Section 6: Children of the Marriage
This section lists every child whose custody, support, or parenting plan the court will decide.
What the field asks in plain English. It asks whether the spouses have minor or dependent adult children together, and to list them.
How to answer it. Check yes or no. If yes, list each child’s full legal name, birth date, and current state of residence. Attach the Confidential Information Form (FL All Family 001) for full birth dates and Social Security numbers — those do not go on the petition itself.
A specific example. Linda Carter lists Ethan Carter, born 2010, Washington and Sophia Carter, born 2013, Washington.
A nuance. Include children born during the marriage even if biologically belonging to someone else, because Washington presumes the husband is the legal father under RCW 26.26A.115. Disestablishing paternity is a separate action.
A common mistake and its consequence. Listing stepchildren as “children of the marriage” gives the court jurisdiction it does not have, and orders about them will be void.
A misconception. People think adult children never go in this section. Dependent adults (over 18 but unable to live independently) do go here under RCW 26.09.100.
Section 7: Jurisdiction Over the Children (UCCJEA)
The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act decides which state can issue custody orders.
What the field asks in plain English. It asks whether Washington is the children’s “home state.”
How to answer it. Check Washington is the home state of the children if the kids have lived in Washington for the last 6 months. Otherwise, check the alternate box and explain.
A specific example. Linda Carter checks Washington is the home state because her kids have lived in Tacoma since birth.
A nuance. Newborns under 6 months use the state where they have lived “since birth,” under RCW 26.27.021.
A common mistake and its consequence. Filers in interstate moves check Washington when the kids actually still live in another state. The other state will refuse to enforce the Washington parenting plan under the UCCJEA.
A misconception. Filers think they create home-state status by filing in Washington. They do not — home state is based on past residence, not where the petition lands.
Section 8: Separate Property
Separate property is what each spouse owned before marriage or received by gift or inheritance during marriage under RCW 26.16.010.
What the field asks in plain English. It asks whether either spouse has separate property the court should confirm to them.
How to answer it. Check yes or no. If yes, list each item briefly (e.g., 2015 Toyota Camry, VIN xxx, owned by Petitioner before marriage).
A specific example. Jenna Rivera lists inherited Vanguard brokerage account ending in 4421, received 2021.
A nuance. Separate property can become community property if it gets commingled — for example, depositing inheritance money into a joint account.
A common mistake and its consequence. Forgetting to list separate property means the court may divide it as community, costing you tens of thousands.
A misconception. Filers think pre-marriage retirement accounts are automatically separate. The pre-marriage balance is separate, but contributions and growth during marriage are community.
Section 9: Community Property
Community property is everything earned or acquired during the marriage by either spouse, no matter whose name is on it.
What the field asks in plain English. It asks what real estate, vehicles, accounts, and household items the community owns.
How to answer it. List each major asset by category. For real property, include the street address and county parcel number. For vehicles, include year, make, model, and VIN.
A specific example. Linda Carter writes Family home at 1422 N Cedar St, Tacoma, WA, Pierce County Parcel 1234567 and 2019 Honda Pilot, VIN 5FNYF6H59KB123456.
A nuance. Frequent flier miles, pet animals, and crypto wallets are community property too, and judges are increasingly strict about disclosing them.
A common mistake and its consequence. Vague descriptions like the house fail to give the court enough to divide. The judgment will be unenforceable against the county recorder, and you will need a Quit Claim Deed after the fact.
A misconception. Filers think titling a car in one name makes it that spouse’s property. Title does not control — community funds during marriage do.
Section 10: Community Debts
Community debts are everything owed by either spouse from marriage to separation date.
What the field asks in plain English. It asks what debts the community owes and to whom.
How to answer it. List each creditor, the type of debt, and the approximate balance as of separation.
A specific example. Mark Rivera lists Chase Visa ending 4012, $4,200 and Toyota Financial auto loan, $11,800.
A nuance. Student loans taken out during marriage are presumed community even if only one spouse signed, under In re Marriage of Pearson-Maines.
A common mistake and its consequence. Forgetting tax debts is a costly miss because the IRS can pursue both spouses jointly for the entire balance regardless of what the divorce decree says.
A misconception. Filers believe the divorce decree binds creditors. It does not — creditors are not parties to the divorce, so a spouse can still be chased for an ex’s debt.
Section 11: Spousal Maintenance
Spousal maintenance is Washington’s term for alimony, governed by RCW 26.09.090.
What the field asks in plain English. It asks whether either spouse needs maintenance and which spouse should pay.
How to answer it. Check yes or no for whether maintenance is requested, and identify who pays whom.
A specific example. Linda Carter, who left her nursing career to raise the kids, checks yes and requests Robert Carter pay her $2,500 per month for 60 months.
A nuance. Long-term marriages (over 25 years) often produce indefinite maintenance under In re Marriage of Rockwell, 141 Wn. App. 235.
A common mistake and its consequence. Checking no and then asking for maintenance later is allowed but procedurally messy; courts strongly prefer the request be made in the petition.
A misconception. Filers think 10 years of marriage guarantees alimony. It does not — Washington uses factors, not formulas.
Section 12: Child Support
Child support follows the Washington State Child Support Schedule under RCW 26.19.
What the field asks in plain English. It asks whether the court should order child support and from which parent.
How to answer it. Check yes if you have minor children. Identify the paying parent and request that support be set under the schedule.
A specific example. Linda Carter requests Robert Carter pay child support set under the Washington State Child Support Schedule, with the exact number to be calculated using the Washington Child Support Worksheet.
A nuance. Even 50/50 parenting plans usually produce a small transfer payment from the higher earner.
A common mistake and its consequence. Skipping this box because parents “agree” leaves the court no order to enforce. If the other parent stops paying, you have no court paper to take to DCS.
A misconception. Filers think child support ends at 18. It can extend to 19 for high school completion and beyond for post-secondary support under RCW 26.19.090.
Section 13: Parenting Plan and Decision Making
This section asks for the framework that will govern the children’s schedule and major decisions.
What the field asks in plain English. It asks the court to enter a parenting plan and identify who makes major decisions.
How to answer it. Check the box requesting a parenting plan. File a proposed FL All Family 140 Parenting Plan at the same time or soon after.
A specific example. Linda Carter checks the box and attaches a proposed parenting plan giving her the kids on school nights and Robert every other weekend.
A nuance. RCW 26.09.191 places mandatory restrictions on parents with histories of domestic violence, abuse, or substance use; flag these here.
A common mistake and its consequence. Filing without a proposed parenting plan delays the case because the court cannot enter a final decree without one.
A misconception. Filers think “joint custody” is a Washington term. Washington uses residential time and decision-making, not custody.
Section 14: Other Orders Requested
This is the catch-all section for restraining orders, name changes, and unique requests.
What the field asks in plain English. It asks what else you want the court to do, such as a name change or a restraining order.
How to answer it. Check every box that applies. Common entries are restore former name, protection order, and order to continue health insurance.
A specific example. Maria Lopez checks restore former name to Maria Elena Garcia.
A nuance. A name change here is free; doing it separately later costs about $200 plus publication fees.
A common mistake and its consequence. Forgetting to ask for name restoration means refiling a separate name-change petition under RCW 4.24.130.
A misconception. Filers think only women can restore a former name. Any spouse can, regardless of gender.
Signature Block
The signature converts a draft into a sworn court paper under penalty of perjury.
What the field asks in plain English. It asks the Petitioner to sign, date, and write their address and phone number.
How to answer it. Sign in blue or black ink. Date the signature in MM/DD/YYYY format. Provide a mailing address (a P.O. Box is allowed) and a daytime phone number.
A specific example. Carlos Mendoza signs Carlos R. Mendoza, dates it 05/22/2026, and lists his JBLM address and military cell phone.
A nuance. Under RCW 9A.72.085, the signature has the legal force of a notarized affidavit. Lying is perjury.
A common mistake and its consequence. Typing the name instead of signing it makes the petition unverified, and the clerk will reject it.
A misconception. Filers think the signature needs to be notarized. It does not — Washington allows declarations under penalty of perjury instead.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
These three named scenarios show how FL Divorce 201 looks when complete.
Scenario 1: Jenna Rivera — Short Marriage, No Kids, Seattle Renters
| Form Section | What Jenna Enters |
|---|---|
| Caption | County: KING; Petitioner: Jenna M. Rivera; Respondent: Mark T. Rivera |
| Section 1 | Both 18+; neither in military; not pregnant |
| Section 2 | Spouses last lived together in Washington |
| Section 3 | Petitioner lives in Washington |
| Section 4 | Married 08/22/2022 in Seattle, Washington; irretrievably broken |
| Section 5 | Separated 01/15/2026 |
| Section 6 | No children of the marriage |
| Section 8 | Separate property: Vanguard brokerage account ending 4421, inherited 2021 |
| Section 9 | Community property: 2020 Subaru Outback, joint Chase checking ending 8810 |
| Section 10 | Community debts: Chase Visa $4,200 |
| Section 14 | Restore former name to Jenna Marie Lin |
Scenario 2: Linda Carter — Long Marriage, House, Two Minor Kids in Tacoma
| Form Section | What Linda Enters |
|---|---|
| Caption | County: PIERCE; Petitioner: Linda S. Carter; Respondent: Robert J. Carter |
| Section 1 | Both 18+; Respondent is Army active duty; not pregnant |
| Section 3 | Petitioner lives in Washington |
| Section 4 | Married 06/14/2007 in Tacoma, Washington; irretrievably broken |
| Section 5 | Separated 11/02/2025 |
| Section 6 | Children: Ethan Carter (2010), Sophia Carter (2013) |
| Section 7 | Washington is the home state |
| Section 9 | Family home 1422 N Cedar St, Tacoma, Parcel 1234567; 2019 Honda Pilot |
| Section 10 | Mortgage $312,000; Capital One Visa $6,400 |
| Section 11 | Petitioner requests $2,500/month for 60 months |
| Section 12 | Child support requested from Respondent |
| Section 13 | Parenting plan attached |
Scenario 3: Carlos Mendoza — Active-Duty Soldier at JBLM, Spouse in Texas
| Form Section | What Carlos Enters |
|---|---|
| Caption | County: PIERCE; Petitioner: Carlos R. Mendoza; Respondent: Sofia A. Mendoza |
| Section 1 | Petitioner is Army active duty; Respondent is civilian |
| Section 2 | Respondent consents to Washington jurisdiction (via waiver) |
| Section 3 | Petitioner is stationed in Washington |
| Section 4 | Married 04/10/2019 in San Antonio, Texas; irretrievably broken |
| Section 5 | Separated 09/01/2025 |
| Section 6 | No children of the marriage |
| Section 9 | 2021 Ford F-150; USAA joint checking ending 2245 |
| Section 10 | USAA auto loan $18,000 |
| Section 11 | No maintenance requested |
| Section 14 | Order continuing TRICARE coverage during the case |
How to File the Completed Form
Washington offers three filing channels, and the choice depends on your county and your access to a computer.
Online via Odyssey eFile WA. Most Washington counties now require electronic filing through the Odyssey eFile WA portal. The statewide filing fee is $314, with county surcharges adding $1 to $30. Payment is by credit card or e-check. Processing usually takes 1 to 3 business days, and the portal emails you a Confirmation of Filing with the new case number. Keep that email — it is your proof of filing.
By mail. Print the petition and supporting forms single-sided, sign in ink, and mail to the Superior Court Clerk in the county where you are filing. King County’s address is King County Superior Court Clerk, 516 Third Ave, Seattle, WA 98104. Include a check or money order for $314 made payable to Clerk of the Superior Court. Processing by mail takes 5 to 10 business days. Always include a self-addressed stamped envelope so the clerk can return a Conformed Copy — your proof of filing.
In person. Walk the documents into the county clerk’s office during business hours, typically 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card (some counties charge a 2.5% credit card surcharge). The clerk stamps your conformed copy on the spot.
Fee waiver. If you cannot afford $314, file a GR 34 Motion and Order for Waiver of Civil Fees along with the petition. The court reviews income against the federal poverty guidelines and usually decides within 2 to 5 business days.
Service on the Respondent. Filing is only step one. Within 90 days, you must serve the Respondent under CR 4 with the petition and the Summons (FL Divorce 101) by a process server or any adult over 18 who is not you.
What Happens After You File
Once you file FL Divorce 201, the clock starts on Washington’s 90-day cooling-off period, and the court machinery begins to move quietly in the background.
The clerk issues a case number and assigns a judge (in unified family court counties) or a department. You will receive a Case Schedule listing every deadline through trial, including discovery cutoffs, mediation, and a confirmation hearing.
The Respondent has 20 days (if served in Washington) or 60 days (if served outside Washington) to file an Answer. If they do not, you can move for default under CR 55 after the 90 days expires.
Most counties require both spouses to attend a parenting seminar if minor children are involved, such as What About the Children? and to mediate under RCW 26.09.015 before trial.
If both spouses agree on everything, you can finalize at day 91 with an Agreed Decree. If you disagree, the case continues through discovery, settlement conferences, and possibly trial — usually 9 to 14 months from filing.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
These ten errors are the ones that send petitions back from the clerk most often.
- Using an outdated form. Pre-2023 versions are rejected, and your filing fee is forfeited.
- Leaving the county blank in the caption. The clerk cannot file without it, period.
- Wrong county venue. Filing in a county where neither spouse lives leads to dismissal under RCW 26.09.010.
- Skipping the military box. This voids any default judgment under the SCRA.
- Wrong marriage date. Causes property division to be reopened.
- Listing stepchildren as children of the marriage. Gives the court no jurisdiction over them.
- Missing parcel numbers on real property. Renders the decree unrecordable with the county.
- Forgetting tax debts. Leaves you exposed to IRS collection.
- Skipping name restoration. Costs $200+ later to do separately.
- Typing the signature instead of signing. Renders the petition unverified and rejectable.
Do’s and Don’ts
Use these quick checks before you walk into the clerk’s office or hit submit on Odyssey.
Do’s:
- Do download the form fresh from the Washington Courts site on filing day so you have the current version.
- Do print single-sided in black ink because clerks reject double-sided filings.
- Do list every asset and debt because nondisclosure can void the final decree under CR 60.
- Do attach the Confidential Information Form for any children’s data.
- Do request name restoration in Section 14 to save the future fee.
- Do keep a conformed copy in a safe place because you will need it for years.
Don’ts:
- Don’t sign before you have read every section because the signature is sworn under penalty of perjury.
- Don’t guess the separation date because it controls community property.
- Don’t write Social Security numbers anywhere on the petition itself.
- Don’t pick a county based on convenience because venue is jurisdictional.
- Don’t skip service on the Respondent because filing alone is not enough.
- Don’t file without a parenting plan if you have kids because the court cannot finalize without one.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
Many Washingtonians file pro se, but the choice has real trade-offs.
Pros of filing on your own:
- Saves $3,000 to $10,000 in attorney fees on a simple case.
- Keeps you fully in control of every word in the petition.
- Forces you to learn your own finances in detail.
- Works well for short marriages with no kids and no real estate.
- Court facilitators under RCW 26.12.240 review your forms for free.
Cons of filing on your own:
- Easy to miss separate-vs.-community classification, costing tens of thousands.
- No one to draft a strong parenting plan around RCW 26.09.191 restrictions.
- Risk of waiving spousal maintenance you would have qualified for.
- Pension and 401(k) division requires a QDRO, which most pro se filers cannot draft.
- Mistakes are hard to fix after the decree because CR 60 is narrow.
Paper Filing vs. eFiling at a Glance
| Factor | Paper / In Person ($314 + surcharge) | Odyssey eFile WA ($314 + surcharge) |
|---|---|---|
| Processing time | 5–10 business days by mail, same day in person | 1–3 business days |
| Payment | Cash, check, money order, card | Credit card or e-check |
| Proof of filing | Conformed copy stamped by clerk | Confirmation email with case number |
| Best for | Filers without computer access | Most filers in 2026 |
| Risk | Lost mail, rejected for being double-sided | Upload errors, file-format issues |
FAQs
Do I need to live in Washington for 6 months before I file?
No. Washington has no minimum residency period under RCW 26.09.030. You only need to be a current resident or stationed here on military orders on the day you file.
Can I file FL Divorce 201 if my spouse lives in another state?
Yes. You can file in Washington if you live here, but the court may lack power to divide out-of-state property or order support unless your spouse consents to jurisdiction.
Is the 90-day waiting period a maximum or a minimum?
No, it is a minimum. Under RCW 26.09.030, the court cannot finalize before day 91. Most cases take 4 to 12 months in total.
Do I write my maiden name or married name in the Petitioner box?
Yes, use your current legal name as shown on your ID. Ask for restoration of a former name in Section 14 instead of changing the caption.
Do I have to write Social Security numbers on the petition?
No. SSNs go only on the Confidential Information Form FL All Family 001, never on the petition itself, to protect against identity theft.
Should I check the military box if my spouse is in the National Guard?
Yes, if they are on Title 10 federal orders or activated for more than 30 days. Skipping it can void any default judgment under the SCRA.
Can I file FL Divorce 201 jointly with my spouse?
No. Washington has only one Petitioner per case. Your spouse can join as a Co-Petitioner by signing a Joinder, but the form itself names a single Petitioner.
Do I need to list every credit card balance in Section 10?
Yes. Omitting community debts can lead to a reopened decree under CR 60 and personal liability for hidden balances.
Is the filing fee refundable if I change my mind?
No. The $314 statewide fee is non-refundable once the clerk accepts the petition, even if you voluntarily dismiss the same day.
Can I efile FL Divorce 201 in every county?
Yes, in nearly all counties through the Odyssey eFile WA portal. A handful of small rural counties still accept paper only — check with your local clerk first.
Do I have to mediate before trial?
Yes, in most counties. Local rules and RCW 26.09.015 require mediation or a settlement conference before trial in contested cases with children.
Can I change my name to anything I want in Section 14?
No. You may restore a former legal name only. Choosing a brand-new name requires a separate name-change petition under RCW 4.24.130.
Do I need a lawyer to file FL Divorce 201?
No. About 70% of Washington divorce filers are self-represented. The Northwest Justice Project and county facilitators offer free help for low-income filers.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out California FL-100 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form FL-100 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Washington Form FL Divorce 211 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Washington Form FL Divorce 231 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Washington Form FL Divorce 241 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form FL-800 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form FL-120 (w/Examples) + FAQs