One of the first questions people ask when considering divorce is, “How much will this cost?” And one of the most frustrating experiences is trying to get that information during a consultation with at attorney. It may seem like they are hiding something. And it will feel even more like that if you get a surprise invoice.
But the truth is that your question is a lot more complex than it is at first blush. Because each divorce is different. And when attorney bill by the hour, which is the most common type of billing, your actual costs will depend on the time spent working to get the the best possible outcome they can.
And the time it takes to get great outcomes will depend on three broad factors:
- The number and type of issues to resolve—such as property division, spousal support, or parenting arrangements.
- The complexity of your situation—for example, when a case involves a business, real estate, or retirement accounts.
- The level of conflict—whether both sides cooperate to reach an agreement or turn every disagreement into a battle.
While every divorce follows the same legal path—filing a petition, serving the other spouse, exchanging financial information, negotiating, and, if necessary, going to trial—no two cases move at the same speed or cost. And different clients have different priorities.
And, the dirty little secret is that many attorneys have different priorities, too. And these priorities may cross over and combine with your own. Some attorneys will even replace your priorities with their own. So be careful that you choose an attorney who will focus on your priorities and help to improve your life. Otherwise, you may be paying to reach a result that you may not value as much.
When you work with a Pacific Northwest Family Law Attorney, you can expect to them to focus on your outcomes and communicate with you all along the way when things change and must be adjusted. That way, you stay focused regardless of where you are at in the process on fixing your family.
Learn more about how Pacific Northwest Family Law approaches divorce on our Divorce in Washington State page.
To learn more about the costs and process of divorce, explore our answers below to the most common questions about the cost and process of divorce in Washington, including how long it takes, what steps are involved, and how you can manage expenses without sacrificing your financial stability or your peace of mind.
Preparing for Divorce
What is the first thing I should do if I want a divorce?
Start with information, not confrontation. Gather your financial records, consider your goals, and talk with a trusted advisor or family law attorney about what divorce will realistically look like for you. Preparation prevents mistakes later.
What should I know before filing for divorce?
Once you file divorce, you begin a structured legal process meant to bring order and fairness to a difficult time. The Court will issue orders and you must both follow them. These orders will be about how you use money, who has access to bank accounts, and where the children live, just to name a few. Both spouses must also fully disclose all finances and property so there’s no room for money secrets. In re Marriage of Bresnahan, 21 Wn. App. 2d 385, 407, 505 P.3d 1218 (2022). And if you are in a situation where your soon to be ex is difficult, you will need an attorney to make sure things are done timely and above board.
Plus, divorce is emotionally difficult, even when it’s necessary. It brings about finality and a close to a chapter in your life. How your divorce is handled is as important as whether to divorce in the first place because the way you handle divorce will affect the rest of your life.
How should I prepare financially before filing for divorce?
Make a full list of income, assets, and debts. Make copies of bank statements, retirement, and credit card bills. Open a separate bank account if appropriate, gather statements for the last year, and avoid large purchases or transfers that could be seen as hiding assets.
[link: Financial Strategy and Protection Hub]
Filing and Residency
What are the residency requirements to file for divorce in Washington?
Either spouse must live in Washington, be stationed here as a member of the armed forces, or be married to a Washington resident. There is no minimum stay required. RCW 26.09.020
What happens after you file for divorce?
Once you file, the court assumes jurisdiction over your property, income, and parenting decisions. The next step is to serve your spouse with the Petition for Dissolution, after which they have 20 days (60 if served out of state) to respond. Wash. CR 4.1
In Washington, who files first for divorce?
Either spouse may file. While filing first in theory does not mean anything under the law, it does have a psychological effect and let’s you decide when things happen. RCW 26.09.020
What if my spouse refuses to be served or ignores the divorce papers?
Service of process is a formal, rules based action. And it doesn’t require the other party to sign anything, it just requires you have someone else over the age of 18 to place the legal documents starting the case–the Petition and Summons–in their hand. And if your soon to be ex hides or otherwise refuses the documents, you can follow special procedures to server documents by mail or publication. Wash CR 5
Timeline and Temporary Orders
What is the waiting period for a divorce in Washington?
There’s a mandatory 90-day waiting period after filing and service before the court can finalize a divorce. RCW 26.09.030
How long does a divorce take in Washington?
Most divorces take between six months and a year, depending on complexity and conflict. The 90-day waiting period is only the minimum.
What are temporary orders, and why are they important?
Temporary orders can decide child custody, support, housing, and finances while the divorce is pending. They’re enforceable by the court and set the tone for the case. RCW 26.09.060
Can the court make me move out of my house during a divorce?
Yes, in limited cases where living together is unsafe or disruptive. Judges consider stability for children, fairness, and safety in temporary housing orders.
For more information on the family home, see our page Homes and Divorce. And for more information on how divorce affects children, see our page on Parenting Plans.
Discovery and Information Exchange
What is discovery in a divorce?
Discovery is the formal process of exchanging information about finances, assets, and debts. It ensures both sides understand the marital estate before negotiation or trial. Wash. CR 26–37
What happens if my spouse hides assets during discovery?
Washington law imposes a fiduciary duty of full disclosure. Concealing assets can lead to sanctions or reopening of final orders. In re Marriage of Bresnahan, 21 Wn. App. 2d 385, 407, 505 P.3d 1218 (2022)
What documents do I need to provide during discovery?
Bank statements, pay stubs, tax returns, retirement accounts, real estate records, and any documentation of debts or assets acquired during marriage.
Negotiation, Mediation, and Settlement
What is mediation in a Washington divorce?
Mediation is a confidential negotiation with a neutral mediator. It’s often required before trial and allows couples to craft their own agreement rather than having a judge decide. RCW 7.07 – Uniform Mediation Act
What happens if we reach an agreement during mediation?
The agreement is written and submitted to the court as final orders. Once signed by the judge, it becomes binding.
For more general information about Divorce Mediation, see our page on Divorce Mediation and Negotiation.
Can I change my mind after signing a divorce settlement?
It’s difficult. Settlements are enforceable contracts. They can only be modified by agreement or upon showing fraud, mistake, or extraordinary circumstances under CR 60.
Trial and Final Orders
What happens at a divorce trial in Washington?
Each side presents evidence and testimony. The judge (not a jury) decides unresolved issues like property division, spousal support, and parenting. RCW 26.09.050
What happens after the trial?
Final orders are drafted to reflect the judge’s rulings, including the Decree of Dissolution, Parenting Plan, and Child Support Order. Once signed, the marriage is legally ended.
Costs and Fees
How much does divorce cost in Washington?
National studies place the average cost of divorce between $8,000 and $20,000, and our firm falls squarely within those national averages. Motley Foole: The Average Cost of a Divorce. Some cases resolve for a few thousand dollars; others exceed $80,000 before going to trial. Trial itself usually will cost more than $9,000 per day of trial, which includes the preparation before the trial even starts. But none of these figures tells you the costs of your divorce, which will depend on the number of issues, the complexity of the issues, and the animosity between the parties.
Who pays attorney fees in a Washington divorce?
Each spouse typically pays their own fees. However, the court may order one spouse to pay part of the other’s fees based on financial need or fairness. RCW 26.09.140
What is the cheapest way to get divorced in Washington?
An uncontested divorce — where both spouses agree on all major issues — is typically the least expensive and fastest. But even if you don’t agree on everything, there are ways to minimize the costs of divorce. This starts with hiring an attorney who is on the same page as you when it comes to what is worth fighting over and what is not. This kind of focus will help you maximize the value of your attorney’s time and get you the most satisfying results.
For more information on uncontested divorces, see our page Uncontested Divorce.
Can I get a divorce without a lawyer?
Yes, no one is required to hire an attorney. In fact, more than half of all parties to a divorce don’t have an attorney representing them. If you choose to represent yourself, known as pro se representation, you will be required to follow all court rules, use all the correct forms, and follow every law. Neither the judge, the clerk, nor Google can give you legal advice. And while all of these resources may help you finalize your case, that doesn’t mean that you have got the best outcome. Because you don’t know what you don’t know.
Special Circumstances
Can I file for divorce if my spouse lives out of state or is in the military?
Yes. Washington courts have authority if either spouse resides or is stationed here. Special rules apply to serving out-of-state or deployed spouses.
For more information about military divorce, see our page Military Divorce.
How does divorce affect immigration or green-card status?
Divorce may affect immigration benefits or permanent residency. Consult both a family law and immigration attorney before filing.
For more information about how Immigration may affect your divorce, see our page on Divorce and Immigration.
What if one spouse is incarcerated during the divorce process?
The case may proceed normally. The incarcerated spouse must be served and has the same right to respond through the correctional facility.
What safety or domestic violence issues should I consider before or during a divorce?
If you feel unsafe, you can request an immediate Civil Protection Order under RCW 7.105.100. Safety always comes before convenience or cooperation.
For more information about protection orders, see our page on Protection Orders.
How Pacific Northwest Family Law Helps
The biggest surprise in divorce shouldn’t be the bill.
At Pacific Northwest Family Law, we help you understand the real costs of divorce whether they be financial or emotional, so that you can make the right decisions for your family and be the family hero that helps build a brighter future.
Reviewed by Attorney Zachary C Ashby, Pacific Northwest Family Law, November 2025.