Real numbers for Washington — filing fees, attorney rates, contested vs. uncontested costs, county breakdowns, and what you can do to reduce your total.
✓ Filing fee and waiting period verified against current state statutes · Updated August 2026
Divorce procedure varies by state in the details, but the overall arc in Washington looks like this:
Treat this as a general framework rather than Washington-specific legal guidance — a licensed attorney or your local courthouse self-help center can confirm exact requirements for your case.
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Calculate My Washington Divorce Cost →The cost of divorce in Washington ranges from roughly $3,600 for a simple uncontested case to $40,000 or more for a contested divorce that goes to trial. The single biggest factor is not the state — it is how much you and your spouse disagree.
Washington is a community property state with a 90-day waiting period. Seattle attorney rates are among the highest in the western US outside of California.
| Divorce Type | Low Estimate | Typical | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested, no children | $280 | $1,180 | $6,000 |
| Uncontested with children | $3,600 | $6,000 | $9,000 |
| Contested, no trial | $13,750 | $25,000 | $40,000 |
| Contested, goes to trial | $40,000 | $47,500 | $50,000+ |
| Savings going uncontested | Up to $19,000 per spouse | ||
The court filing fee in Washington is paid when you submit your divorce petition to the court. This is a fixed, unavoidable cost regardless of whether your divorce is contested or uncontested.
Filing fee note: $280–$364 depending on county
| King County (Seattle) | $320 |
| Pierce County (Tacoma) | $280 |
| Snohomish | $280 |
| Spokane | $260 |
| Clark (Vancouver) | $260 |
Divorce attorney hourly rates in Washington average $330 per hour.
A Seattle couple with one child going through a cooperative uncontested divorce would spend $314 in filing fees and $3,500–$7,000 in attorney costs — total around $3,900–$7,500.
How much does a divorce cost in Washington?
An uncontested divorce in Washington typically costs $6,000–$9,000 including a $280–$364 filing fee that varies by county. A contested divorce averages $25,000–$40,000 per spouse depending on attorney hours and complexity.
Is Washington a community property state?
Yes. Washington is a community property state. All assets and debts acquired during the marriage belong equally to both spouses.
What is Washington's divorce waiting period?
Washington has a mandatory 90-day waiting period from the date the respondent is served (not the filing date).
How much does a divorce cost in Seattle?
Seattle uncontested divorces typically cost $4,000–$8,000. Contested cases involving real estate and custody in King County can reach $30,000–$80,000+ per party.
How is child custody determined in Washington?
Washington uses 'parenting plans' rather than custody orders. Courts consider what arrangement is in the child's best interests, with no automatic presumption of equal time.
Can I use a mediator instead of attorneys in Washington?
Yes. Washington courts encourage and sometimes require mediation before contested hearings. Many King County couples use mediators for their entire divorce at a fraction of attorney litigation costs.
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Open Washington Calculator →Filing fees based on Washington court records as of July 2026. This is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.