Where to File for Divorce in Thurston County?
In Thurston County, divorce cases are handled by the Family & Juvenile Division of the Superior Court. All divorce filings must be submitted at the courthouse located on 32nd Avenue SW in Olympia, which serves as the central office for family law matters.
2801 32nd Ave SW, Tumwater, WA 98501
Phone: 360-709-3201
Business hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Drop Box hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
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The Requirements for Divorce in Thurston County
To file for divorce in Thurston County, at least one spouse must be a resident of Washington State at the time of filing. Under RCW § 26.09.030, Washington does not require a minimum length of residency — unlike many other states. This rule also applies to military members stationed in Washington, who are legally considered residents for the purpose of filing for divorce.
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Filing for Uncontested Divorce in Thurston County
Starting an uncontested divorce in Thurston County means both spouses agree on all terms from the beginning, which makes the process more straightforward. Here’s an overview of the steps:
- Collect the Right Forms: Prepare documents like the Petition for Dissolution, Summons, Confidential Information Form, and Case Cover Sheet. Additional forms may be needed for cases involving children or complex assets.
- File with the Court: Fill out all forms completely and file them with the Thurston County Superior Court Clerk. Bring at least two copies — one for you, one for your spouse — and pay the filing fee (about $250–$320). If you can’t afford it, you may request a waiver.
- Serve Your Spouse: Unless your spouse signs an Acceptance of Service, they must be officially served by a neutral third party. The person serving must complete a Proof of Service and file it with the court.
- Wait 90 Days: Washington law requires a 90-day waiting period from the date your spouse is served before finalizing the divorce.
- Schedule a Final Hearing: Once the waiting period is over, you can request a court date for a final hearing. A judge will review the paperwork and issue a Decree of Dissolution, which you’ll file with the clerk to formally complete your divorce.
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Required Divorce Forms in Thurston County
Below is a general list of forms commonly needed when dissolving a marriage in Washington:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Summons
- Acceptance of Service
- Response to Petition
- Joinder (if spouse joins)
- Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law
- Decree of Dissolution
- Financial Declaration
For couples with children, you’ll also need:
- Declaration in Support of Parenting Plan
- Order of Child Support
- Child Support Worksheets
Form requirements can differ, so it’s wise to confirm with the Thurston County Superior Court or check the Washington Courts website.
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Thurston County Divorce Filing Fees
When filing your Petition for Divorce in Thurston County, expect to pay a court filing fee of about $280 on average. Additional costs may include paying a process server, making copies, or filing extra motions during the case. If you’re unable to cover the fee upfront, you can apply for a waiver by submitting a Financial Statement and a Motion to Waive Civil Fees and Surcharges, which must be signed under oath. Always check with the clerk’s office or the Thurston County official website for the latest fee details and related forms to avoid unexpected costs.
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