Washington Divorce Forms You Need

Filing for divorce in Washington State requires more than just making the decision to separate, it also requires filling out the correct Washington divorce forms and following specific legal procedures. Whether you’re handling your divorce on your own or working with an attorney, knowing which forms to complete is the first step.

Where to Find Washington Divorce Forms?

Washington State provides free access to official family law forms online. You can download and print them yourself or fill them out digitally.

  1. Washington Courts Official Forms PortalWashington State Court Forms - This is the primary website for all official court forms, including divorce, parenting plans, child support, and restraining orders.
  2. Direct Link to the Divorce Petition Form (FL Divorce 201)FL Divorce 201 - Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (PDF) - This is the main form used to start a divorce case in Washington.
  3. Washington Law Help Forms & GuidesWashington Law Help - Family and Safety Forms - This resource offers downloadable forms and step-by-step instructions in plain language. It also includes forms for parenting plans, child support, and emergency restraining orders.
  4. King County Family Law InstructionsHow to Ask for a Divorce (King County Guide PDF) - Even if you don’t live in King County, this guide is helpful for understanding the overall process.
  5. Pierce County Divorce FormsPierce County Divorce & Legal Separation Forms - For Pierce County residents, this page offers localized instructions and links to the required forms.
  6. Wahkiakum County Divorce by MailWahkiakum County Divorce by Mail - This is helpful if you are filing in a rural county and prefer to complete your divorce paperwork by mail.
  7. Washington Divorce Court Forms Resource GuideTwyford Law - Washington Divorce Court Forms - This site offers an overview of the forms you’ll need and links back to official resources.

Common Washington Divorce Forms You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the most commonly required forms for a divorce in Washington:

1. Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (FL Divorce 201)

This is the main form that starts the divorce process. It outlines what you are asking the court to do, including property division, child custody, and spousal support.

2. Summons (FL Divorce 200)

The summons notifies your spouse that you’ve filed for divorce and explains how long they have to respond.

3. Confidential Information Form (FL All Family 001)

This form keeps your private information, like Social Security numbers and contact details, confidential from public records.

4. Joinder (Agreement to Join Petition)

If your spouse agrees to everything in the petition, they can sign this form instead of filing a response.

5. Response to Petition (FL Divorce 211)

If you are the spouse responding to a divorce filing, this is the form you’ll use.

6. Parenting Plan (FL All Family 140)

If you have children under 18, Washington requires a parenting plan outlining custody and visitation.

7. Child Support Worksheets (WSCSS Worksheets)

These are used to calculate child support based on both parents' incomes.

8. Motion for Temporary Family Law Orders (FL All Family 141)

This is used if you need immediate court decisions about child custody, financial support, or property use while the divorce is pending.

9. Final Divorce Order (Decree of Dissolution FL Divorce 241)

This is the official order that ends your marriage once all issues are resolved.

How to Use Washington Divorce Forms?

  1. Download the forms you need from the Washington Courts website or from your local county court website.
  2. Fill out the forms completely and accurately. Many forms are now fillable PDFs.
  3. File your forms at your county’s superior court.
  4. Serve the papers to your spouse following the correct legal procedures.
  5. Wait 90 days—Washington has a mandatory waiting period before the court can finalize your divorce.
  6. Negotiate agreements or prepare for trial if necessary.
  7. Submit final orders for the judge to review and sign.

Do You Need a Lawyer?

You are allowed to use Washington divorce forms and file your case without a lawyer (this is called pro se representation). However, if your case involves children, large assets, or disagreements about property or support, it’s usually wise to at least consult an attorney.

Filing for divorce in Washington is easier when you have access to the correct forms and resources. Use the official Washington State Court Forms Portal to get started, or visit Washington Law Help for step-by-step instructions.