Divorce Without Children Forms
As a general rule, an uncontested divorce (dissolution of marriage) in Washington that does not involve minor children typically requires a specific set of documents. However, your individual situation may necessitate additional paperwork or alternative language, depending on factors such as local court requirements, property division, and other unique circumstances.
Common Documents for an Uncontested Divorce in Washington (No Minor Children)
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Officially initiates the divorce process.
- Must meet the Washington Superior Court filing requirements. - Confidential Information Form and/or Vital Statistics Form
- Many Washington counties require a confidential information form to protect sensitive data (e.g., Social Security numbers).
- A vital statistics form may also be necessary to track divorces for state records.
- Joinder or Response
- If both spouses agree on the dissolution terms, the respondent may file a Joinder indicating they do not contest the petition.
- Otherwise, they may file a Response expressing agreement or noting any points of contention. - Waiver of Mandatory Disclosures (If Applicable)
- In uncontested cases, spouses may agree to waive certain disclosures, but each county’s rules can differ.
- County-Specific Cover Sheet and Other Court Forms
- Many Superior Courts in Washington require local cover sheets or specialized forms to accompany the initial filing.
- Final Divorce Order (Decree of Dissolution)
- Outlines the terms of the final settlement—property division, spousal maintenance (if applicable), and any name changes.
- Once signed by the judge, this Decree officially ends the marriage. - Notice of Presentation or Final Hearing Scheduling
- Depending on the county, you may need to schedule a final hearing or file a motion for the court to sign the Final Decree of Dissolution.
- Some counties allow finalization by mail without an in-person hearing, especially in uncontested cases.
Additional Documents to Consider
- Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO)
- Required if a spouse’s retirement account (e.g., 401(k), pension) is being divided.
- Ensures the division complies with federal and state regulations and protects any tax-deferred status. - Quit Claim Deed
- If real property (a house or land) is awarded to one spouse, a quit claim deed transfers the other spouse’s interest in that property, so it’s clear who holds title post-divorce.
How to Get Washington Divorce Forms for Your Situation
The exact documents and language needed for your uncontested divorce depend on factors like:
- Your Local County’s Rules
Each county can have unique forms, cover sheets, or additional instructions. - Whether You Have Jointly Owned Property
If you own a home, vehicle, or financial assets together, you’ll need specific provisions. - Spousal Maintenance (Alimony) and Retirement Division
If one spouse needs financial support or you’re splitting retirement funds, additional documents (e.g., QDRO) may be necessary. - Name Changes
One or both spouses may request a name restoration or change, which often requires an Affidavit or specific language in the Final Decree.
Recommendation: Use a Washington-licensed attorney or a reputable online divorce platform that includes attorney oversight. This ensures your documents are customized for your unique situation and compliant with Washington State and county-specific requirements. Courts in Washington can dismiss or delay cases if paperwork is incomplete, inaccurate, or missing required language.