Reviewed August 2026
Uncontested Divorce Checklist in Washington
A Washington divorce, called a dissolution, is uncontested when both spouses agree the marriage is irretrievably broken. They also need to resolve property, debt, and any parenting and support terms. Washington's sole ground is that the marriage is irretrievably broken, with no fault grounds on the books at all. The state combines two unusual facts. There is no minimum residency duration to file, but every case, agreed or not, faces the same mandatory 90-day wait before a decree can be entered. Washington does not offer a separate summary or simplified dissolution statute. Every dissolution goes through the same process regardless of marriage length, income, or how simple the case is. Agreement mainly changes how fast the case can move once the 90-day floor has passed, and whether the parties need to appear at all.
Virdix's document-preparation product currently prepares divorce paperwork for California and Florida cases. This page explains how uncontested divorce checklist works under Washington law for people researching before they file. It is not legal advice, and Virdix does not prepare or file Washington paperwork. See how Virdix works for California divorces.
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What makes a Washington divorce uncontested
A case is uncontested when both spouses agree the marriage is irretrievably broken. They also need a settlement covering property division, debt, and, for couples with children, a parenting plan and child support. Washington has no durational residency requirement at all. The law only requires that at the time of filing, one party is a current Washington resident, is a servicemember stationed in Washington, or is married to someone who is. This means a person could, in theory, move to Washington and file the same day. The 90-day wait still applies once the case is filed, though.
No separate summary track, just one process for everyone
Washington law does not create a distinct summary dissolution statute for short marriages or low-asset couples. Every case, whether both spouses agree on every term or are fighting over everything, proceeds through the same petition, 90-day minimum wait, and final decree process. Uncontested cases move faster in practice simply because there are no disputed issues left to litigate. It is not because of a separate simplified legal category.
Document checklist
A Washington filing starts with FL Divorce 201, the Petition for Divorce (Dissolution). It is typically filed together with FL Divorce 200, the Summons, FL All Family 001, Confidential Information, and FL All Family 101, Proof of Personal Service. Additional documents may be required under local county superior court rules, so filers should check the specific county's requirements. Washington is a community property state. That changes how the court starts its property analysis compared to most states' equitable distribution rules. Settlement agreements should reflect that starting point. Filers who cannot afford the roughly $254 total filing fee can submit form WPF GR 34.0100, the Motion and Declaration for Waiver or Deferral of Filing Fees and Surcharges, available under General Rule 34.
Is a hearing required
Under RCW 26.09.030, a court cannot enter a dissolution decree until 90 days have elapsed from whichever is later: the date the petition was filed or the date the respondent was served. This is a minimum wait before the decree can be finalized, not a wait before filing. Whether both spouses must personally appear at a hearing once that 90-day period has run depends on the specific county superior court's local practice. Some counties may allow a fully agreed case to be finalized on the paperwork alone. Confirm this with the court handling your case.
Sources: RCW 26.09.030, dissolution: residency and 90-day decree timing, Washington Courts, Self-Help resources
Not independently confirmed
- Whether personal appearance at a final hearing is required statewide or varies by county for a fully agreed dissolution case
- Current statewide rollout status of the eFileWA portal beyond the counties confirmed live this pass
Uncontested Divorce Checklist in Washington: frequently asked questions
What qualifies a Washington divorce as uncontested?+
Both spouses agree the marriage is irretrievably broken, Washington's sole ground, and have resolved property, debt, and any parenting and support terms. Washington has no minimum residency duration to file, only that one party is a current resident or servicemember, or married to one, at the time of filing.
Does Washington have a simplified divorce process?+
No. Every Washington dissolution, contested or not, goes through the same process: a petition, the 90-day minimum wait, and a final decree. There is no distinct summary or simplified statute tied to marriage length or asset value the way some other states offer.
How long does an uncontested Washington divorce take?+
At least 90 days from whichever is later, the date the petition was filed or the date the respondent was served, since RCW 26.09.030 does not allow a decree to be entered before then. Actual timing beyond that floor depends on the county superior court's scheduling.
Do we have to attend a hearing for an uncontested Washington divorce?+
This depends on the specific county superior court's local practice once the 90-day minimum wait has passed. Some counties allow a fully agreed case to be finalized on the filed paperwork; confirm the requirement with the court where your case is filed.
What forms does a Washington dissolution require?+
FL Divorce 201, the Petition for Divorce (Dissolution), along with FL Divorce 200, the Summons, FL All Family 001, Confidential Information, and FL All Family 101, Proof of Personal Service. Local county superior court rules may require additional documents.
What if we can't afford the Washington filing fee?+
File form WPF GR 34.0100, the Motion and Declaration for Waiver or Deferral of Filing Fees and Surcharges, under General Rule 34, which allows anyone who is indigent to seek a waiver of filing fees and surcharges.
This page is general information about uncontested divorce checklist in Washington, not legal advice for your situation. Laws, fees, and procedures change over time; confirm current details with Washington's own courts before relying on anything here. Virdix is not a law firm and is not licensed to practice law in Washington. Virdix does not prepare or file Washington divorce paperwork. It is not a substitute for an attorney licensed in Washington.
More Washington divorce guides
Virdix currently serves California and Florida
In the states Virdix serves, it guides you through that state's own court forms so your paperwork is complete and consistent before you file. If you're filing in Washington, the resources above are the right place to start, and the form above will tell you the moment Virdix reaches your state.
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