Washington Divorce Made Simple: One-Step Filing in Lincoln County

Washington is the only state where you can file for divorce in any county, regardless of where you live. Many couples choose Lincoln County Superior Court because it offers a true One-Step Filing process: you mail in all required divorce documents at once, and after the 90-day waiting period, the judge signs your Final Decree and the clerk mails copies back to both spouses.

If you live in Washington, you can file for divorce in any county because Washington has no in-county residency requirement. Lincoln County has long been known for offering a true one-step, mail-in divorce process that does not require live court appearances, hearings, calendar notes, facilitator review, or any of the additional county-specific forms. Lincoln County allows all required divorce documents to be filed together by mail in a single step. After mailing the documents to the court clerk for filing, all that is left to do is wait for the 90-day state waiting period to elapse and receive your judge-signed Decree in the mail. For this reason, Lincoln County is a popular choice for couples living in other counties who want to ensure a streamlined, low-hassle divorce process.

Why Lincoln County?

• Statewide flexibility: File in Lincoln County even if you live in a different part of Washington.
• Mail-in convenience: Send the entire divorce packet in one mailing—no court appearances required in most uncontested cases.
• Simple timeline: After 90 days, the judge signs your Final Divorce Order. Within about two weeks, the clerk mails a signed copy to each spouse using the self-addressed stamped envelopes (SASE) you provided.

How One-Step Filing Works

1. Review and sign your documents. Some forms require notarization, which can be done in person or online. Double-check that all blanks are filled in and that both spouses have signed where required.
2. Mail your packet to the Clerk. Include two copies of all required documents (Petition, Summons, Findings and Conclusions, Final Divorce Order, Parenting Plan and Child Support forms if applicable), plus the Certificate of Dissolution, filing fees, and three self-addressed stamped envelopes.
3. Wait for confirmation. The Clerk assigns a case number and usually mails back file-stamped copies of the Petition, Summons, and Findings within a few business days.
4. Finalization after 90 days. Once the waiting period ends, the judge signs your Final Divorce Order. About two weeks later, you’ll receive your copy in the mail.

Filing Fees and Mailing Address

As of July 28, 2025, the filing fee is $364 plus a $30 ex parte fee, each payable by separate money order or cashier’s check to Lincoln County Clerk (personal checks are not accepted).

Lincoln County Superior Court
Court Clerk’s Office
450 Logan Street
P.O. Box 68
Davenport, WA 99122-0068
Ph. 509-725-1401

Modifying Child Custody or Support Later

If you and your spouse have minor children, it’s important to know that you can modify custody, visitation, and/or child support in the future if circumstances change. In most cases, this is a simple process—both spouses sign a written agreement, file it with the court, and once signed by the judge, it becomes a new court order.

If the issue ever becomes contested and requires hearings, you may be able to file a motion to transfer the case to a court closer to where you live. This situation is uncommon and generally only applies when the parents cannot agree on the terms of a modification.

Important Notes

• Include enough postage on your self-addressed stamped envelopes for the court to return your documents.
• If you forget to fill in required blanks (such as debt repayment timelines), your paperwork will be returned and you may be charged an additional $30 to resubmit.
• If you need certified copies or a copy with the judge’s original signature, you can order them directly from the Clerk’s office.

DivorceWriter provides self-help services for uncontested divorces. We do not prepare or select your documents. Your completed interview responses are transferred to forms, printed, and shipped to you for filing.

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