Divorce Law in Washington

This page covers divorce law as it applies in Washington — the state and federal laws that govern it, filing deadlines, where to get help, and notable in-state decisions. For what divorce protects generally, see the national overview.

Compiled from primary legal sourcesNot legal adviceHow we source this

Laws that govern divorce in Washington

Washington state law

LABOR REGULATIONS › DISCRIMINATION—HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION WA 49 § 49.60.040
Cited in 122 court decisions on this topic's terms.
WASHINGTON CRIMINAL CODE › SEX OFFENSES WA 9A § 9A.44.020
Cited in 62 court decisions on this topic's terms.
COURTS OF RECORD › SUPERIOR COURTS WA 2 § 2.08.010
Cited in 39 court decisions on this topic's terms.
DOMESTIC RELATIONS › UNIFORM CHILD CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT WA 26 § 26.27.021
Cited in 14 court decisions on this topic's terms.
DOMESTIC RELATIONS › DISSOLUTION PROCEEDINGS—LEGAL SEPARATION WA 26 § 26.09.150
Cited in 11 court decisions on this topic's terms.
CIVIL PROCEDURE › COMMENCEMENT OF ACTIONS WA 4 § 4.28.200
Cited in 8 court decisions on this topic's terms.

Browse all of Washington’s statutes →

Where to go & how to get help

Government agencies and non-profit legal-help organizations for divorce in Washington.

USA.gov — Find legal aid and free legal serviceslegal aid
Official U.S. government starting point for finding free or low-cost legal help and legal-aid programs near you.
Legal Services Corporation — Get legal helplegal aid
Locate the LSC-funded legal-aid organization that serves your county for civil (non-criminal) legal problems.
American Bar Association — Free Legal Help & Lawyer Referralbar referral
Find your state or local bar association lawyer-referral service and free legal-answer programs.
USA.gov — State attorney generalagency
Find your state attorney general to file consumer-protection, civil-rights, or other complaints.

Not legal advice. State-specific statutes, deadlines and procedures are being sourced and will appear here.