- 1). Gather the proper forms. You will need a Petition for Dissolution, Confidential Information Form, Vital Statistics Form, Case Cover Sheet, Financial Declaration, and Summons. These forms can be found below under Resources. If you have minor children, you will need to fill out additional forms, such as a Proposed Parenting Plan, Residential Time Summary, Financial Source Documents, and a Child Support Worksheet. See the document entitled Ending a Divorce in Washington with Children listed under Resources.
- 2). Complete and print the forms and take them to court. The court in Tacoma is located at:
County-City Building
930 Tacoma Ave. South
Room 110.
Submit one original and three copies of each form to the Court Clerk. The clerk will give you a case number. Have the clerk stamp the first page of all of your copies with the case number. - 3). Pay the $250 filing fee or file for a fee waiver. The form to file for a fee waiver is called a Motion and Order for In Forma Pauperis. You will have to provide proof of your income to qualify for a fee waiver. If you are approved, you will have to pay only a $20 administrative fee.
- 4). Have someone age 18 or older serve your spouse with dissolution papers. You may not personally serve the papers. If you are unable to find someone to do this, the Pierce County Sheriff's office will serve your spouse for you. The office can be contacted through a link in the Resources section or by calling 253-798-7520.
- 5). Attend the assignment for trial hearing. You must attend this hearing to be assigned an actual final trial date for your dissolution. Your case will be dismissed if you do not show up.
- 6). Attend the final hearing. The judge will ask you some questions you will have to answer under oath. Questions he may ask include why you filed for dissolution and whether there is a chance for reconciliation between you and your spouse. The judge will then decide whether to sign the dissolution documents, and if he does, you will be officially divorced.
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