Washington Form FL Divorce 231 is the official Petition for Divorce (Dissolution) that one spouse files in the Superior Court to legally end a marriage or registered domestic partnership under RCW 26.09. The form opens the case, tells the court what you want (property division, parenting plan, child support, spousal maintenance), and starts the 90-day waiting clock the law requires before any divorce can be finalized.
According to the Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts, more than 27,000 dissolution petitions are filed each year statewide, and county clerks reject or flag roughly 1 in 5 pro se petitions for missing fields, wrong county, or missing companion forms. Filling this form out correctly the first time saves weeks, sometimes months, of delay.
Here is what you will learn:
- 📄 What FL Divorce 231 does and which spouses must (and must not) use it
- 🧾 Every document, ID number, and date you need to gather before opening the form
- ✍️ A line-by-line walkthrough of every page, box, and signature block on the petition
- 👨👩👧 Three full filled-out examples, including a long marriage with kids and a military spouse
- 🏛️ How to file in person, by mail, or through the Washington Courts e-filing portal and what to expect after filing
What FL Divorce 231 Is and Who Must File It
FL Divorce 231 is the mandatory statewide Petition for Divorce form approved by the Washington Pattern Forms Committee under GR 9. Its current revision date printed on the bottom-left corner is (09/2024), and you should confirm that date on the copy you download because counties reject older revisions on sight. The form is the first document filed in the case, paired with the Summons (FL Divorce 201) and the Confidential Information Form (FL All Family 001).
Any spouse who has lived in Washington for any length of time may file, because Washington has no minimum residency period for dissolution under RCW 26.09.030. A military member stationed in Washington for at least 90 days may also file under RCW 26.09.030(1)(c). The spouse who files becomes the Petitioner, and the other spouse becomes the Respondent.
You should not use FL Divorce 231 if you only want a legal separation (use FL Divorce 230 instead) or if you want to invalidate (annul) the marriage, which uses a different petition entirely. Same-sex spouses, registered domestic partners, and couples married in other states or countries all use the same FL Divorce 231 because Washington recognizes those marriages under RCW 26.04.010.
The agency that receives the form is the Superior Court Clerk in the county where either spouse lives. Each of Washington’s 39 counties has its own clerk, and county-level rules layer on top of the statewide form, so the King County Clerk, Pierce County Clerk, and Spokane County Clerk each post their own local cover sheets.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Filling out FL Divorce 231 goes faster when you have every fact in front of you before you open the PDF. The form asks for dates, addresses, and financial details that are easy to guess wrong from memory, and a wrong answer in the petition can follow you all the way to the final decree. Use the checklist below as your gathering list.
- Marriage certificate or registration record. You need the exact legal date of marriage and the city/state/country where it happened, because the court uses that date to set the start of the community-property window under RCW 26.16.030. If the date is wrong by even a day, separate property can be miscounted as community property.
- Both spouses’ full legal names. Use the names on each spouse’s most recent ID or Social Security card. Nicknames or married/maiden mismatches cause the clerk to flag the petition for correction.
- Both spouses’ current mailing addresses. The Respondent’s address is needed to serve the Summons. If you do not know it, you must later file a Motion for Service by Publication.
- Date of separation (the date you stopped living as spouses). Washington uses this to cut off community property accrual, so a wrong date can cost or save thousands of dollars.
- All children’s full names and birth dates. Include only children of the marriage and any child either spouse is the legal parent of, even if not biological.
- A list of real property (homes, land). You need parcel numbers and the county each property sits in, because the court can only divide property it can identify.
- A rough list of major debts and assets. You will not file a full inventory with the petition, but you should know if retirement accounts, businesses, or large debts exist.
- Service members’ status. If either spouse is on active duty, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act applies and you must disclose it on the petition.
- Filing fee or fee waiver paperwork. The statewide filing fee is set by RCW 36.18.020 and most counties charge $314. If you cannot afford it, prepare a GR 34 fee waiver application before filing.
- Any existing court orders. Protection orders, prior parenting plans, or out-of-state custody orders all must be listed on the petition.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
The official, current version of FL Divorce 231 lives on the Washington Courts forms page under the “Family Law – Divorce” section. Always download the form directly from that page rather than using a third-party reseller, because Washington updates the pattern forms after every legislative session and the courts will reject an outdated revision date.
You can fill the form three ways. First, you can download the fillable PDF and type into the boxes using Adobe Acrobat or any modern browser, then print it for a wet signature. Second, you can use the free Washington LawHelp Interactive interview hosted by the Northwest Justice Project, which walks you through each question and produces a finished petition. Third, you can write your answers in by hand using black ink and block letters.
Pierce, King, Snohomish, and Spokane counties post local supplementary instructions on their court websites that tell you exactly which boxes to check for that county. For example, the King County Family Law page requires a separate Case Assignment Designation form along with FL Divorce 231, while Spokane County Superior Court requires a local cover sheet.
The form is free. Anyone who tries to charge you for the blank petition is not the court. Paid services like online divorce platforms charge for help completing the form, not for the form itself.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out FL Divorce 231 Line by Line
The petition is organized into a caption, then numbered sections 1 through 14, and finishes with a signature block. Each numbered section has its own H3 below, and each major field inside that section gets its own walkthrough. Use the exact box numbers and field names printed on the form, and remember that italicized sample entries below are the words you would actually type into the form.
Caption: Court, County, and Case Number
The caption sits at the very top of page 1 and identifies the court that owns your case. Plain English: it tells the clerk which Superior Court is hearing the divorce and who the parties are. To answer it, write the county name on the “Superior Court of Washington, County of ____” line, then leave the Case Number line blank because the clerk assigns the number when you file.
A specific example: Maria Lopez files in Pierce County, so she writes Pierce on the county line and leaves the Case Number box empty. She types her own name on the “Petitioner” line as Maria Elena Lopez and her spouse’s name on the “Respondent” line as Daniel James Lopez. A common nuance is the protected-address box: if you have a current protection order, you may leave your address blank and use a confidential mailing address.
The most common mistake is filing in the wrong county, which forces a transfer under CR 82 and adds 30+ days to the case. A misconception people hold is that you must file where you got married; you do not, you file where either spouse currently lives.
Section 1: Petitioner Information
Section 1 asks who you are. In plain English, the court needs your full legal name, gender (optional), and how long you have lived in Washington. Type your name exactly as it appears on your driver’s license or ID, choose a gender designation (or leave blank), and enter the number of months or years you have lived in the state.
For example, Janet Marie Carter writes her name in box 1.1, checks the box for “Female,” and writes 22 years in the residency line. The nuance: military members stationed in Washington check the box that says “I am a member of the armed forces stationed in Washington.” If you are a tribal member living on a reservation, RCW 26.09.030 still allows you to file in state court.
A common mistake is using a nickname like Jan Carter instead of the full legal name, which can require an amended petition before the final decree. The misconception: many filers think they must list a maiden name here. They do not, unless the maiden name is currently on the ID.
Section 2: Respondent Information
Section 2 mirrors Section 1 but for the other spouse. Plain English: you tell the court who you are divorcing. Enter the Respondent’s full legal name, gender (optional), and best known mailing address.
Carlos Rivera writes his spouse’s name as Sofia Rivera-Mendez in box 2.1 and her address as 4421 18th Ave NE, Apt 3, Seattle, WA 98105. The nuance is what to do when you do not know the Respondent’s address: check the “I do not know” box, and later file a Motion and Declaration for Service by Publication. If the Respondent is incarcerated, list the prison address.
The common mistake is listing an old address you know is stale, which produces invalid service and can void every order in the case. The misconception: people think they can serve through email or social media by default. They cannot, without a separate court order under CR 4(d).
Section 3: Marriage or Domestic Partnership
This section establishes that a valid marriage or registered domestic partnership exists. In plain English, you tell the court when, where, and what kind of union it is. Check either “married” or “in a registered domestic partnership,” then write the exact date and place of the union.
A specific example: Aisha Thompson enters June 14, 2003 and Las Vegas, Nevada, USA in box 3.1. The nuance is foreign marriages: a couple married in Mexico writes the city, state, and country, and Washington recognizes the union under RCW 26.04.020 as long as it would have been valid in Washington.
The common mistake is using the date of the wedding ceremony when the legal license was actually signed earlier; the court uses the license date for community property. The misconception: same-sex couples sometimes think they must list the date of their prior domestic partnership separately. After 2014, Washington automatically converted those partnerships to marriage under SSB 5952, so the original date controls.
Section 4: Separation Date
Section 4 asks for the date you and your spouse stopped living as a married couple. Plain English: when did the marriage really end, even if you still shared a house? Write the date in MM/DD/YYYY format.
For example, Daniel Kim writes 03/14/2024 because that was the day his spouse moved into the guest room and they stopped sharing finances. The nuance: you do not need to live in separate homes to be “separated” under Washington law; you only need to stop functioning as spouses. A couple still under the same roof for financial reasons can still claim a separation date.
The common mistake is picking the date you filed the petition instead of the date you actually separated, which can cost you community-property protection on income earned since separation. The misconception: many filers think Washington requires a 6-month or 1-year separation. It does not. The 90-day waiting period under RCW 26.09.030 starts when the petition is filed and served, not from separation.
Section 5: Jurisdiction Over the Respondent
Section 5 confirms that the Washington court has authority to enter orders against the Respondent. Plain English: tell the judge why this court can boss the other spouse around. Check at least one of the boxes that fits — the Respondent lives in Washington, the spouses last lived together in Washington, or the Respondent agrees to jurisdiction.
For example, Janet checks “the petitioner and respondent lived in Washington during their marriage and the petitioner continues to live in Washington.” The nuance: if the Respondent has never lived in Washington and refuses to consent, the court may divorce you but cannot divide out-of-state property or order spousal maintenance against the Respondent under the long-arm rule in RCW 4.28.185.
The common mistake is leaving every box unchecked, which causes the petition to be dismissed for lack of personal jurisdiction. The misconception: filers think marrying in Washington is enough to give the court jurisdiction. It is not by itself.
Section 6: Children of the Marriage
Section 6 lists every child the spouses share, biological or adopted, and any unborn child. In plain English, the court needs to know who the kids are so it can order parenting plans and support. Write each child’s full legal name, date of birth, and current state of residence.
Carlos enters Mateo Rivera-Mendez, 04/22/2015, Washington and Lucia Rivera-Mendez, 11/03/2018, Washington. The nuance is stepchildren and children from prior relationships: only list children both spouses are legal parents of, and check the box if either spouse is pregnant. Children adopted by one spouse during the marriage count.
The common mistake is leaving out a child to “keep things simple,” which produces a void final decree because the court must address every minor child under RCW 26.09.181. The misconception: many filers think 18-year-olds in high school do not need to be listed. They do, because Washington can order post-secondary support under RCW 26.19.090.
Section 7: Jurisdiction Over the Children (UCCJEA)
Section 7 satisfies the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. Plain English: tell the court that Washington is the right state to decide custody. Check the box that says Washington is the children’s “home state,” meaning they have lived here for at least the last 6 months.
Aisha checks the home-state box and writes the addresses where her child has lived for the last 5 years. The nuance: if the child has not lived in any state for 6 months (newborns, military moves), check “no home state” and explain in the attached FL All Family 105 Declaration Under UCCJEA.
The common mistake is skipping this section because there is “no custody dispute,” which still produces a clerk rejection because UCCJEA disclosure is mandatory whenever children are listed. The misconception: people think UCCJEA only applies to interstate cases. It applies to every case with a minor child.
Section 8: Property and Debts
Section 8 asks how you want the court to divide property and debts. In plain English, you check whether the spouses already have a written agreement, whether the court should divide everything later, or whether you want a specific division now. Most filers check “the court should fairly and equitably divide our property and debts.”
For example, Janet checks the “fairly and equitably” box and writes a short list: family home in Tacoma, my 401(k), husband’s pension, joint Chase credit card. The nuance is separate property under RCW 26.16.010 — items owned before the marriage or received by gift/inheritance stay with the original owner if you say so here. List separate property in box 8.2.
The common mistake is leaving box 8 blank, which signals to the judge that there is nothing to divide and can waive your claim to community property. The misconception: filers believe Washington splits everything exactly 50/50. It does not. The standard is “just and equitable,” which can be 60/40 or more skewed depending on circumstances under RCW 26.09.080.
Section 9: Spousal Support (Maintenance)
Section 9 asks whether either spouse should pay maintenance (alimony). Plain English: do you want monthly support after the divorce? Check “yes” or “no,” and if yes, list which spouse pays and roughly how much you are asking for.
Daniel checks “yes” and writes $1,800/month for 36 months because the marriage lasted 14 years and his spouse out-earns him 3-to-1. The nuance: Washington has no formula for maintenance. Judges weigh the factors in RCW 26.09.090, including length of marriage, age, and standard of living.
The common mistake is checking “no” early to “be fair,” which permanently waives maintenance once the decree is entered. The misconception: filers assume short marriages get no maintenance. Even 5-year marriages can produce 1–2 years of transitional maintenance.
Section 10: Child Support
Section 10 asks the court to set child support using the Washington State Child Support Schedule. Plain English: who pays, who receives, and roughly how much. Check that you want support set and identify the paying parent.
Carlos checks the box and writes Respondent should pay support to Petitioner. The nuance: the actual dollar figure is calculated later using the Washington Child Support Worksheets, not in this petition. Both parents’ gross incomes feed the formula.
The common mistake is naming yourself as the payer when you are actually the residential parent, which scrambles enforcement. The misconception: filers think child support is optional if both parents agree to zero. The court can refuse to enter a zero-support order under RCW 26.19.035.
Section 11: Parenting Plan / Residential Schedule
Section 11 ties to the Parenting Plan form (FL All Family 140). Plain English: tell the court you want a parenting plan and whether you have a proposal ready. Check that the court should approve a final parenting plan and indicate whether one is attached.
Aisha checks “approve a parenting plan” and attaches her proposed plan. The nuance: the petition can ask for restrictions under RCW 26.09.191 if there is a history of domestic violence, substance abuse, or abandonment. Mark those restrictions in box 11.
The common mistake is filing the petition without any parenting plan attached and assuming the judge will write one. The judge will not. The misconception: parents think the residential parent automatically gets sole decision-making. They do not, unless RCW 26.09.187 factors apply.
Section 12: Name Change Request
Section 12 lets either spouse restore a former name. Plain English: do you want to drop your married name? Check “yes” and type the exact former name you want to use.
Janet writes Janet Marie Whitfield (her birth name). The nuance: Washington allows you to take any former legal name, including a name from a prior marriage, not only your birth name. The change is free if requested in the divorce; a separate court filing later costs around $240.
The common mistake is forgetting to check this box and then having to file a separate Name Change petition later. The misconception: a spouse cannot use this section to change the other spouse’s or the children’s names.
Section 13: Protection Orders or Restraining Orders
Section 13 asks if you want any protective orders included with the divorce. Plain English: do you need the court to keep your spouse away or freeze finances? Check the boxes that apply (no contact, stay away from home/work, no transfer of property).
For example, Sofia Rivera-Mendez checks “restraining order against transferring property” because she fears her spouse will drain the joint accounts. The nuance: a full domestic-violence protection order should be filed on its own form, FL All Family 103, even if you also check this box.
The common mistake is relying on the petition box alone for safety. It does not provide police-enforceable protection until a judge signs a separate restraining order. The misconception: filers believe checking the box automatically freezes accounts. It does not, until the order is signed and served.
Section 14: Other Requests
Section 14 is the catch-all. Plain English: ask for anything else not covered above — exclusive use of the home, payment of attorney fees, restoration of separate property. Write each request in plain sentences.
Daniel writes Petitioner requests exclusive use of the marital home in Tacoma during the case and an award of attorney fees under RCW 26.09.140. The nuance: attorney-fee requests must cite RCW 26.09.140 and require a Financial Declaration (FL All Family 131) to be granted.
The common mistake is leaving 14 blank when you need temporary orders, which forces a separate motion to fix later. The misconception: filers think 14 is for venting. It is not. Keep entries factual and tied to relief the court can grant.
Signature Block
The signature block sits at the bottom of the last page. Plain English: you swear, under penalty of perjury, that everything above is true. Sign your name in blue or black ink, print your name beneath, and write the city, state, and date of signing.
Janet signs Janet M. Carter in cursive, prints Janet Marie Carter, and writes Tacoma, Washington, 04/02/2026. The nuance: only the Petitioner signs; the Respondent does not sign the petition. If a lawyer represents you, the lawyer also signs and lists their WSBA number.
The common mistake is signing before all sections are filled in, which can lead to perjury exposure if a section is later changed. The misconception: notarization is required. It is not. Washington uses a GR 13 declaration under penalty of perjury, which has the same legal force without a notary.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
Each scenario below follows one named filer through the entire petition. The tables show what the filer enters in each major section. Sample entries are italicized so you can tell them apart from instructions.
Scenario 1: Maria Lopez — Short Marriage, No Kids, No Property (Pierce County)
| Form Section | What Maria Enters |
|---|---|
| Caption – County | Pierce |
| 1.1 Petitioner | Maria Elena Lopez, lived in WA 4 years |
| 2.1 Respondent | Daniel James Lopez, 1422 S 56th St, Tacoma, WA 98408 |
| 3.1 Marriage | Married 08/12/2022 in Reno, Nevada, USA |
| 4.1 Separation | 01/05/2026 |
| 6 Children | None |
| 8 Property | Court should fairly and equitably divide; small list of household items |
| 9 Maintenance | No |
| 12 Name Change | Restore to Maria Elena Garcia |
| Signature | Maria Elena Lopez, Tacoma, WA, 04/02/2026 |
Scenario 2: Janet Carter — 22-Year Marriage, House, Retirement, Two Teens (King County)
| Form Section | What Janet Enters |
|---|---|
| Caption – County | King |
| 1.1 Petitioner | Janet Marie Carter, lived in WA 22 years |
| 2.1 Respondent | Robert Allen Carter, 9210 NE 24th St, Bellevue, WA 98004 |
| 3.1 Marriage | Married 06/14/2003 in Seattle, WA, USA |
| 4.1 Separation | 03/01/2026 |
| 6 Children | Ethan Carter, 09/12/2009; Olivia Carter, 02/28/2012 |
| 8 Property | Family home in Bellevue, 401(k), husband’s pension, Chase joint card; divide fairly and equitably |
| 9 Maintenance | Yes – $2,500/month for 60 months |
| 11 Parenting Plan | Proposed plan attached, primary residence with Petitioner |
| 12 Name Change | Restore to Janet Marie Whitfield |
| Signature | Janet Marie Carter, Bellevue, WA, 04/02/2026 |
Scenario 3: Sergeant Carlos Rivera — Active-Duty Military Spouse Stationed at JBLM
| Form Section | What Carlos Enters |
|---|---|
| Caption – County | Pierce (where JBLM sits) |
| 1.1 Petitioner | Carlos Antonio Rivera, active-duty member stationed in WA 3 years |
| 2.1 Respondent | Sofia Rivera-Mendez, address unknown – last known: 4421 18th Ave NE, Seattle, WA |
| 3.1 Marriage | Married 11/22/2014 in San Diego, CA, USA |
| 4.1 Separation | 09/15/2025 |
| 5 Jurisdiction | Spouses last lived together in WA; Petitioner stationed in WA |
| 6 Children | Mateo Rivera-Mendez, 04/22/2015; Lucia Rivera-Mendez, 11/03/2018 |
| 8 Property | Divide fairly and equitably; identify military pension under USFSPA |
| 13 Restraining Orders | Restraining order against transferring property |
| Signature | Carlos A. Rivera, DuPont, WA, 04/02/2026 |
How to File the Completed Form
You can file FL Divorce 231 three ways: in person at the Superior Court Clerk’s office, by U.S. mail, or electronically through the Washington Courts e-filing portal. Each channel has its own fee handling, processing time, and proof-of-filing rules, and the right pick depends on your county and your urgency.
In Person. Bring the original petition plus 2 copies, the Summons (FL Divorce 201), the Confidential Information Form, and the $314 filing fee (cash, check, money order, or credit card with surcharge). For King County, file at King County Courthouse, 516 Third Ave, Room E-609, Seattle, WA 98104. For Pierce County, file at 930 Tacoma Ave S, Room 110, Tacoma, WA 98402. Processing usually takes the same day, and the clerk hands you a stamped copy as your proof of filing.
By Mail. Mail the original plus 2 copies, the same companion forms, the fee or fee-waiver application, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the clerk’s mailing address. Mail processing usually takes 5–10 business days. The returned stamped copy in your envelope is your proof of filing.
Electronically. Use the Washington Courts E-Filing portal (county-specific links inside) or the local county system, such as the King County eFiling Application. Pay the fee with credit/debit card (a portal fee of about 3% applies). Processing is typically 24 hours, and the system emails you a stamped PDF as your proof of filing.
If you cannot afford the fee, file the Motion and Declaration for Waiver of Civil Fees and Surcharges under GR 34 at the same time as the petition. Most judges sign waivers within 1–3 business days for filers receiving public assistance or earning under 125% of the federal poverty line.
What Happens After You File
Filing the petition starts a mandatory 90-day waiting period under RCW 26.09.030, during which no final divorce can be entered, even if both spouses agree. The clock starts on the later of the filing date or the service date.
After filing, you must serve the Respondent with the petition, the Summons, and the Confidential Information Form within 90 days under CR 4. Service is done by a third party over 18 (a sheriff, professional process server, or any qualifying adult) — never by the Petitioner personally. The server signs a Proof of Personal Service form (FL All Family 101), which you then file with the court.
The Respondent has 20 days to file a Response if served in Washington, 60 days if served outside the state. If the Respondent does not respond, you can move for a default order under CR 55. If the Respondent does respond, the case moves into discovery, possible mediation, and eventually a final hearing or settlement.
Many counties require an automatic temporary Domestic Restraining Order at filing that prevents either spouse from selling property or removing kids from the state. Read your county’s local rules — for example, King County LFLR 5 — so you know what is automatically in place.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
Most rejections and delays come from a small set of repeat errors. Each item below is a specific error with its direct consequence on your case.
- Filing in the wrong county. The case gets transferred under CR 82 and adds 30+ days.
- Using an outdated form revision. The clerk rejects the petition at the counter and you start over.
- Wrong marriage date. Community-property accrual is miscounted and you can lose thousands at division.
- Wrong separation date. Income earned after separation gets treated as community property by mistake.
- Leaving Section 6 incomplete when children exist. The final decree is void and must be re-entered.
- Skipping the UCCJEA disclosure in Section 7. The clerk flags the petition and the case stalls.
- Failing to check any box in Section 5 (jurisdiction). The case can be dismissed for lack of personal jurisdiction.
- Checking “no” on maintenance to seem reasonable. You permanently waive alimony at the decree stage.
- Naming the wrong child-support payer. Enforcement and wage garnishment go to the wrong parent.
- Forgetting to check the name-change box. You must file a separate $240 name-change case later.
- Signing before the form is fully filled in. You expose yourself to perjury risk for false statements.
- Failing to file the Confidential Information Form. The clerk holds the case open until it is filed.
- Trying to serve your own spouse. Service is invalid and every order issued is voidable.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do download the form fresh from the Washington Courts forms page every time, because revisions roll out twice a year. Do read the form all the way through before filling out box 1, so you know what later sections will ask. Do make 3 copies of the completed petition (original for the court, one served on the Respondent, one for your records). Do keep a stamped or e-filed copy somewhere safe — phone photo plus cloud backup. Do check your county’s local rules before filing, because King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Spokane each add forms. Do ask a Washington courthouse facilitator for free procedural help (not legal advice).
Don’t copy answers from a friend’s old petition — every case is unique and old form revisions get rejected. Don’t guess at the Respondent’s address; if you do not know it, check the unknown box and plan for service by publication. Don’t leave any box blank that asks a yes/no question — write N/A if it does not apply, but write something. Don’t sign in pencil or erasable ink; use blue or black ballpoint. Don’t file the petition without the Summons and Confidential Information Form. Don’t wait more than 90 days to serve, because the case can be dismissed under CR 4(d)(7).
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
Pros of filing pro se. You save $3,000–$15,000 in attorney fees on a typical Washington divorce. You stay in full control of every decision. You learn the system, which helps in any future motion. You move at your own speed, not the lawyer’s calendar. You can use free tools like Washington LawHelp Interactive and courthouse facilitators.
Cons of filing pro se. You bear 100% of the risk for missed deadlines and bad waivers. You may waive maintenance or property rights without realizing it. Complex assets like pensions and businesses often require a QDRO that pro se filers commonly mishandle. Domestic violence cases need protective drafting that is hard to do alone. Final decrees written incorrectly are expensive to fix later.
Pros of using a lawyer. A lawyer spots claims you would miss, like post-secondary support or military-pension division. A lawyer manages service correctly the first time. A lawyer drafts the parenting plan and decree to be enforceable. A lawyer handles temporary orders quickly. A lawyer can negotiate without you having direct contact with an abusive spouse.
Cons of using a lawyer. Fees range from $250–$500/hour in Washington. Cases can drag if the lawyer is overloaded. Some lawyers push toward trial when settlement is wiser. You still must answer every detailed question yourself. Communication delays can frustrate filers who want fast updates.
Pro Se vs. Attorney-Represented Divorce in Washington
| Factor | What It Looks Like |
|---|---|
| Typical out-of-pocket cost (pro se) | $314 filing fee + ~$100 service |
| Typical out-of-pocket cost (attorney) | $3,000–$15,000+ depending on contested issues |
| Average time to final decree (uncontested) | ~120 days (90-day wait + paperwork) |
| Average time to final decree (contested) | 9–18 months |
| Free help available | Northwest Justice Project, facilitators |
| Best fit | Short marriages with no kids and few assets |
FAQs
Do I have to live in Washington for 6 months before filing?
No. Washington has no minimum residency period under RCW 26.09.030. You only need to be a resident or a service member stationed here when you file.
How long does a Washington divorce take?
No divorce can be finalized in less than 90 days because of the mandatory waiting period. Uncontested cases typically finish around 120 days; contested cases run 9–18 months.
Do I need my spouse’s signature on FL Divorce 231?
No. Only the Petitioner signs the petition. The Respondent is served and may file a separate Response, but their signature is not required to start the case.
Can I file FL Divorce 231 if my spouse lives in another state?
Yes. You may file in Washington if you live here. Washington can grant the divorce, but it can only divide out-of-state property and order maintenance if the long-arm rule under RCW 4.28.185 is satisfied.
Do I write my maiden name or married name in box 1.1?
Yes, write the name currently on your government ID. If your ID still shows your maiden name, use that. The name-change request goes in Section 12, not box 1.1.
What do I check in Section 5 if I just moved to Washington?
Yes, you can still check the box that says you live in Washington, but the court may lack personal jurisdiction over an out-of-state Respondent unless other long-arm contacts exist.
Do I list adult children in Section 6?
No for children over 18 who are not in high school and not disabled. Yes for children 18+ still in high school, because RCW 26.19.090 allows post-secondary support.
Can I leave the separation date blank if I’m not sure?
No. A blank Section 4 forces the clerk to reject or flag the petition. Pick the most defensible date and document why if asked later.
Is the filing fee really $314?
Yes in most Washington counties as of 2026, with small county-specific surcharges. A GR 34 fee waiver is available if you cannot pay.
Do I need a notary for the signature block?
No. Washington uses a declaration under penalty of perjury under GR 13, which has the same legal force without a notary.
Can I e-file FL Divorce 231 in every county?
Yes in most counties through the Washington Courts e-filing portal, though a few smaller counties still require paper filing. Always check your county clerk’s website first.
Do I need to attach a parenting plan to the petition?
Yes if you have minor children. Washington requires a proposed Parenting Plan (FL All Family 140) at or shortly after filing.
Can I change my mind after filing?
Yes. You may voluntarily dismiss under CR 41 before the Respondent files a Response, or jointly dismiss any time after.
Does checking Section 13 freeze my spouse’s bank account?
No, not by itself. You also need a signed restraining order under RCW 26.09.060, then served on the bank, before any account is frozen.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out California Form FL-100 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Ohio Petition for Dissolution of Marriage + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Washington Form FL Divorce 201 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Washington Form FL Divorce 211 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Washington Form FL Divorce 241 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Arizona Petition for Dissolution of Marriage + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form FL-120 (w/Examples) + FAQs