Divorce Lawyer in Seattle, WA — Your Complete 2025 Guide

Hiring the right divorce lawyer in Seattle, Washington can significantly impact your financial future, parenting arrangements, and emotional well-being throughout the divorce process. Whether you're facing contested custody, dividing substantial assets, or pursuing a simple uncontested divorce, this guide explains everything you need to know about divorcing in Seattle — including local court procedures, attorney fees, residency rules, and more affordable alternatives to hiring a traditional law firm.

Do You Need a Divorce Lawyer in Seattle?

You may need a Seattle divorce lawyer if your case involves:

• Disputes over custody, visitation, or decision-making authority

• High-conflict communication or an uncooperative spouse

• Real estate, retirement accounts, stock compensation, or major investments

• Business ownership or complex financial interests

• Disagreements over spousal maintenance

• Domestic violence or need for a protection order

• Suspected hidden assets, cryptocurrency, or cash income

• A case likely to proceed to mediation, hearings, or trial

However, you may NOT need a lawyer if your divorce is uncontested, meaning both spouses agree on:

• Parenting schedules

• Child support & spousal maintenance

• Division of assets & debts

• What happens to the marital home

• Retirement & pension distribution

For uncontested divorces, Divorce.com can prepare or file your Seattle divorce documents at a fraction of the cost of an attorney.

Where to File for Divorce in Seattle, WA

Seattle divorces are filed in King County, which offers two courthouse locations:

King County Courthouse — Seattle Location

King County Superior Court
516 3rd Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 477-1400

Maleng Regional Justice Center (MRJC) — Kent Location

401 4th Avenue N.
Kent, WA 98032
(206) 477-2600

These courts handle:

• Divorce & legal separation

• Custody & parenting plans

• Child support & spousal maintenance

• Domestic violence protection orders

• Mediation & settlement conferences

• Hearings & trials

Washington supports e-filing and mandatory electronic case management through the King County ECR Online system.

Washington Residency Requirements for Divorce

You may file for divorce in Seattle if:

• You or your spouse live in Washington State, OR

• You are stationed in Washington as part of military service

Washington is one of the most flexible states for residency and is also a no-fault divorce jurisdiction.

How Divorce Works in Seattle, WA

Here is the typical divorce process in King County:

1. File the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage

This initiates the divorce case.

2. Serve Your Spouse

Service is completed by:

• Sheriff

• Professional process server

• Acceptance of service

3. Mandatory Waiting Period

Washington requires a 90-day waiting period before a divorce can be finalized.

4. Financial Disclosure Requirements

Both spouses must exchange:

• Income documentation

• Bank & retirement statements

• Real estate & personal property valuations

• Tax returns

• Debt information

Washington uses community property law, meaning most assets acquired during marriage are split 50/50 unless agreed otherwise.

5. Parenting Requirements (If Children Are Involved)

Seattle courts may require:

• A mandatory parenting seminar

• A court-approved parenting plan

• Mediation

• Custody evaluations (in contested cases)

6. Settlement, Mediation, or Trial

Uncontested cases finalize quickly after the waiting period.
Contested cases may involve:

• Temporary orders for custody or support

• Discovery

• Depositions

• Parenting evaluations

• Settlement conferences

• Trial

7. Final Divorce Order

A judge signs the Final Divorce Order or Decree.

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Seattle, WA?

Attorney fees in Seattle are among the highest in the country due to cost of living and case complexity.

Typical costs:

• Hourly rate: $325–$550

• Uncontested divorce with attorney: $3,500–$8,500

• Contested divorce: $15,000–$40,000+

• High-asset divorce: $50,000–$150,000+

Stock options, RSUs, tech-sector compensation, and real estate significantly increase legal fees.

Local Divorce Lawyers in Seattle, WA

Here are respected Seattle divorce attorneys from your directory:

1. McKinley Irvin Family Law

https://www.mckinleyirvin.com

2. Goldberg Jones – Divorce for Men

https://www.goldbergjones-wa.com

3. Elise Buie Family Law Group

https://www.elisebuiefamilylaw.com

These firms specialize in contested custody, high-asset cases, mediation, and trial litigation.

More Affordable Alternatives to Hiring a Lawyer

If your Seattle divorce is uncontested, you may not need a law firm.

Divorce.com offers three flat-fee solutions:

Paperwork Only — $499

We prepare all Washington divorce documents.

We File for You — $999

We prepare and file your documents with the King County Superior Court.

Fully Guided Divorce — $1999

A dedicated specialist supports your entire case.

These solutions offer a faster, more affordable option than attorney-led divorce.

When You Should Choose a Lawyer Instead

Hire a Seattle divorce lawyer if:

• Custody or parenting time is contested

• Domestic violence or safety concerns exist

• Your spouse refuses to negotiate

• You own a business or significant assets

• You suspect hidden money

• Trial is likely

Why Divorce.com Is a Smart Choice for Seattle Couples

• Washington-specific divorce forms

• Flat-fee pricing with no surprises

• Filing services available

• Experienced divorce specialists

• Faster & more affordable than most attorneys

• Ideal for uncontested divorces

Divorce.com helps Seattle families complete their divorce with confidence and clarity.

Start Your Seattle Divorce Today

Whether you choose an attorney or an online divorce service, taking the first step is what matters most. Divorce.com offers a streamlined, affordable, and supportive solution for Seattle couples.