Washington Dissolution Costs and Filing Fees (2026)
Washington's filing fee is moderate, and the co-petition option eliminates service costs entirely for agreed dissolutions.
Core Filing Costs
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Superior Court filing fee | $280–$314 (varies by county) |
| Certified copies of Decree | $5–$20 per copy |
| Sheriff service (if needed) | $30–$60 |
| Private process server | $50–$100 |
Confirm the current fee with your specific county's Superior Court Clerk before filing.
County Fee Examples
| County | Approx. Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| King (Seattle) | $314 |
| Pierce (Tacoma) | $290 |
| Snohomish | $290 |
| Spokane | $280 |
| Clark | $280 |
| Thurston | $280 |
| Whatcom | $280 |
Ancillary Costs
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| QDRO (employer retirement plan) | $400–$1,500 per plan |
| Real estate deed preparation | $300–$600 |
| Deed recording at county Auditor | $50–$150 |
| Property appraisal (if needed) | $400–$800 |
| Mediator (if property disagreement) | $200–$400/hour |
| Attorney for limited help (PSA review) | $300–$800 |
Fee Waiver
Washington courts offer fee waivers (in forma pauperis) for qualifying low-income filers.
How to apply:
- Complete Form WPF DRPSCU 01.0100 (Petition — with fee waiver request) or the separate fee waiver application
- Submit a financial declaration
- Court reviews and approves or denies
- If approved: filing fee waived; service fees may also be waived
Qualify if: Monthly income is at or near federal poverty level, or you receive public assistance.
Total Cost Estimates
| Scenario | Estimated Total |
|---|---|
| Co-petition, agreed, no real estate or retirement | $300–$400 |
| Individual petition, agreed, no real estate or retirement | $380–$550 |
| With real estate transfer and QDRO | $1,000–$2,500 |
| With children (agreed parenting plan) | $400–$700 |
| Partially contested (mediation) | $2,000–$6,000 |
| Fully contested through trial | $15,000–$50,000+ |
Last reviewed: March 2026 | Fees vary by county — confirm with your Superior Court Clerk
Written by the SoLongSoulmate.com Editorial Team
Researched using official state court websites, state statutes, and legal aid resources. All filing fees and procedures verified March 2026. This is general legal information — not legal advice.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.