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How Much Does Divorce Cost in Seattle, WA (2025 Guide)

The cost of divorce in Seattle depends on whether you and your spouse can reach agreements early or need the court to settle disputes. Couples who handle their divorce cooperatively can often finalize for less than $1,000, while complex contested cases can exceed $30,000. This guide breaks down the Seattle divorce filing fee, average attorney and mediation costs, and how asset division and custody disputes affect total expenses — plus how Divorce.com helps Washington couples complete their divorce online, faster and more affordably.

Average Divorce Costs in Seattle

Seattle Divorce Filing Fee

To start a divorce in King County Superior Court, you’ll pay a filing fee of approximately $314–$330.
Other potential costs include:

• Service of process: $50–$100 depending on method.

• Response filing fee: $200–$300 if your spouse files a response.
  If you cannot afford the fee, you can request a waiver through a Motion for Waiver of Civil Fees and Surcharges.

Online filing is available via Washington’s Odyssey eFile system.

Seattle Divorce Attorney Cost

Seattle’s family-law market is one of the priciest in the Pacific Northwest due to high demand and cost of living.

• Hourly rates: $300–$550/hour.

• Retainers: $4,000–$10,000 for contested cases.

• Flat-fee uncontested packages: $1,000–$2,500.

How to lower attorney costs

• Agree on as many issues as possible before hiring counsel.

• Use limited-scope representation for legal review only.

• File through Divorce.com for an affordable, flat-fee online divorce.

Seattle Uncontested Divorce Cost

An uncontested divorce (called a dissolution of marriage in Washington) is the simplest and least expensive path if both spouses agree on major terms.

Typical Seattle uncontested divorce cost: $500–$2,000, including filing and service fees.
These cases can finalize in as little as 60–90 days, depending on the court’s calendar.

Divorce.com advantage:
We prepare Washington-specific documents, guide you through filing in King County, and provide optional attorney review — helping you complete your divorce smoothly and affordably.

Seattle Divorce Mediation Cost

Mediation helps couples negotiate issues like parenting, property, and support outside of court.
Typical Seattle divorce mediation cost:

• Hourly rate: $250–$400/hour.

• Half-day sessions: $800–$1,200 total.

• Full-day sessions: $1,500–$2,500 total.

Most couples resolve issues in two or three sessions, for total costs around $2,500–$7,000 — far less than contested litigation.

Seattle Contested Divorce Cost

If you and your spouse can’t agree, a contested divorce becomes necessary, and expenses rise quickly.
Typical Seattle contested divorce cost: $12,000–$35,000+.
Factors that increase costs include:

• Depositions and discovery requests.

• Financial expert or property appraisals.

• Custody evaluations or guardian ad litem reports.

• Multiple hearings or trial prep.

High-conflict divorces can take more than a year to conclude.

Seattle Asset Division Cost

Washington is a community property state, meaning marital assets are divided equally unless the couple agrees otherwise.

Typical Seattle asset division costs:

• Home or real-estate appraisal: $500–$1,000 each.

• Business valuation: $5,000–$12,000+.

• Retirement QDRO: $300–$700 per account.

• Forensic accountant: $200–$400/hour.

Using a single neutral expert or agreeing on valuations can help minimize costs.

Seattle Custody Dispute Cost

Custody disputes are often the most emotionally and financially taxing part of a divorce.
Typical Seattle custody dispute costs:

• Parenting evaluator or GAL: $2,000–$6,000+.

• Therapist or counselor involvement: variable by provider.

• Mediation sessions: $500–$1,000 each.

King County requires Parenting Seminars in cases with minor children (around $40–$60 per parent) and strongly encourages mediation before trial.

Divorce.com vs. Traditional Divorce in Seattle

Typical Seattle Divorce Budget

FAQs

Can I file for divorce in Seattle without a lawyer?
Yes. Washington allows self-representation, and Divorce.com provides guided forms and step-by-step filing support online.

How long does a divorce take in Washington?
There’s a mandatory 90-day waiting period from the date your spouse is served before the divorce can be finalized.

Is mediation required in King County?
Mediation is mandatory in most custody or parenting disputes and strongly encouraged in financial disagreements.

What is the cheapest way to get divorced in Seattle?
An uncontested online divorce through Divorce.com, including filing fees, usually costs under $1,000 total.

Where do I file for divorce in Seattle?
At the King County Superior Court Family Law Division, or electronically through the Odyssey eFile system.

The Bottom Line

The average cost of divorce in Seattle depends on your ability to agree on key terms. Cooperative couples can complete the process for under $2,000, while contested cases can exceed $30,000.

With Divorce.com, Seattle residents can complete their divorce online, save thousands in attorney fees, and finalize their case faster — without the courtroom stress.

👉 Start your Seattle divorce online today at Divorce.com — fast, affordable, and legally compliant across Washington.