Washington Divorce Cost

How much does divorce cost in Washington? Detailed breakdown of filing fees, attorney costs, mediation, and hidden expenses — plus how to save up to 90%. Updated for 2026.

Washington Divorce Cost Comparison

MethodCost Range
Divorce.ai$299 + $314 filing fee
DIY (Pro Se)$314 filing fee only
Mediation$3,000-$8,000(~$400/session)
Uncontested + Attorney$1,000-$8,000
Contested + Attorney$15,000-$35,000+

Washington Divorce Fee Breakdown

Court Filing Fee$314
Process Server$75
Certified Copy$25
Parenting Course$60
Minimum Total (DIY)$414

County Fee Variations

King$314
Pierce$314
Snohomish$314
Clark$314
Spokane$314

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Attorney Costs in Washington

Divorce attorneys in Washington typically charge between $260 and $550 per hour. Total costs depend on how many hours your case requires.

Simple Uncontested

$1,500-$3,000

5-15 hours

Moderate Complexity

$5,000-$15,000

20-60 hours

Highly Contested

$15,000+

60+ hours

Hidden Costs to Watch For

$

QDRO (Retirement Division)

If dividing retirement accounts, a Qualified Domestic Relations Order costs $500-$1,500 to prepare.

$

Real Estate Appraisals

Professional home appraisals run $300-$600 each and may be needed for property division.

$

Business Valuations

If either spouse owns a business, a formal valuation can cost $5,000-$25,000.

$

Custody Evaluations

Court-ordered custody evaluations cost $3,000-$10,000 in contested custody cases.

Fee Waiver Information

Washington offers filing fee waivers for individuals who cannot afford to pay.

Fee waiver available under General Rule (GR) 34 if household income is at or below 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. If income exceeds 125% FPG, the court may still waive fees upon showing that payment would cause substantial hardship. Automatic qualification if receiving SSI, TANF, SNAP, Medicaid, or other means-tested government benefits. Filed using the GR 34 Request for Waiver of Civil Filing Fees and Surcharges form.

Income threshold: 125% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (automatic if receiving SSI, TANF, SNAP, or Medicaid)

Required form: GR 34 Request for Waiver of Civil Filing Fees and Surcharges

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a divorce cost in Washington?
An uncontested divorce in Washington typically costs $1,000-$8,000, while a contested divorce ranges from $15,000-$35,000. The court filing fee alone is $314.
How much does a divorce lawyer cost in Washington?
Divorce attorneys in Washington typically charge $260-$550 per hour. A full representation in an uncontested case might cost $1,500-$5,000, while contested cases can exceed $15,000.
Can I get a fee waiver for divorce in Washington?
Yes, Washington offers fee waivers for those who cannot afford the filing fee. Fee waiver available under General Rule (GR) 34 if household income is at or below 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. If income exceeds 125% FPG, the court may still waive fees upon showing that payment would cause substantial hardship. Automatic qualification if receiving SSI, TANF, SNAP, Medicaid, or other means-tested government benefits. Filed using the GR 34 Request for Waiver of Civil Filing Fees and Surcharges form. You will need to complete form GR 34 Request for Waiver of Civil Filing Fees and Surcharges.
What is the cheapest way to get divorced in Washington?
The cheapest option is an uncontested divorce using an online service like Divorce.ai (starting at $299) plus the $314 filing fee. This avoids expensive attorney fees while ensuring your forms are prepared correctly.

Related Washington Guides

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Complete divorce document preparation from $299. Filing fee of $314 paid directly to the court.