Where to File for Divorce in Pierce County?
In Pierce County, family law cases are handled through the county’s central courthouse. This includes divorce proceedings, child custody and support matters, domestic violence protection orders, and other legal issues that affect families.
Address: 930 Tacoma Ave S, Room 110, Tacoma, WA 98402
Phone: (253) 798-7455
Business Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Where to File: File your divorce petition with the Clerk’s Office located on the first floor of the County-City Building.
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The Requirements for Divorce in Pierce County
DivorceCanBeSimple.com knows divorce can feel overwhelming in Pierce County. That’s why we created a simple guide to explain the process. To file for divorce in Pierce County, you must meet Washington residency requirements under Revised Code of Washington § 26.09.020. At least one spouse must have lived in Washington for six months and in Pierce County for 90 days before filing. Once these requirements are met, you can submit your divorce petition to the Pierce County court.
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Filing for an Uncontested Divorce in Pierce County
Note that Couples in Pierce County who agree on all parts of their divorce can use a simpler process called an uncontested divorce. This means both spouses agree on property, child custody, and support, so the case usually goes faster.
To start, one spouse must file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage at the Pierce County Superior Court. Check the court’s rules to make sure all forms are filled out correctly. After filing, the other spouse must get copies of the documents, even if they agree with everything.
Washington law requires a 90-day waiting period from the day the forms are filed and served. During this time, both spouses should make sure all agreements are written down clearly and included in the final orders.
After the waiting period, the judge can sign the final divorce papers, officially ending the marriage. An uncontested divorce in Pierce County can save time and stress if all paperwork is done right.
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Required Divorce Forms in Pierce County
When preparing to file for divorce, it’s important to know which forms are needed. For an uncontested divorce in Pierce County, common forms may include:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (FL All Family 201) – Starts the divorce. Filed by one spouse.
- Summons (FL All Family 202) – Notifies the other spouse that a divorce case has been filed.
- Confidential Information Form (FL All Family 203) – Provides private information such as addresses.
- Respondent’s Response to Petition (FL All Family 204) – Filed by the other spouse to respond to the petition.
- Parenting Plan – Required if there are minor children; outlines custody, visitation, and decision-making.
- Child Support Worksheet (FL All Family 128 or equivalent) – Calculates child support if children are involved.
- Financial Declaration (FL All Family 205) – Shows income, expenses, and property for both spouses.
- Decree of Dissolution of Marriage (FL All Family 206) – Final order signed by the judge, ending the marriage.
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Pierce County Divorce Filing Fees
Note that In Pierce County, Washington, the filing fee for a divorce is $314. This includes a $200 filing fee, a $40 court surcharge, and a $54 victim fee. You can pay with cash, debit card, money order, or cashier’s check. Personal checks are not accepted.
If you cannot afford the fee, you can ask for a fee waiver. To do this, fill out the Motion and Declaration for Waiver of Civil Filing Fees & Surcharges with Financial Statement. You can get this form for free at the Clerk’s Office (Room 110) or the Law Library.
After completing the form, take it to the Commissioner Services Department (Room 110-14) to check in. Then go to the Ex Parte Department (Room 129) so the Commissioner can review and sign it. Once signed, file all your case papers at the Clerk’s Office. Only file original documents, and do not take the signed orders out of the courthouse.
For more information, visit the Pierce County Clerk’s Fee Schedule (piercecountywa.gov).
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