What’s included?
Self Serve Divorce provides a complete package of forms and instructions you need to complete your King County divorce. In some cases, not all of these forms will be needed.
Case Assignment Area Designation and Case Information Cover Sheet
This form is used to assign the divorce case to the appropriate court area based on jurisdiction and to provide a summary of the case information to the court administration.
Confidential Information Form
The Confidential Information form is used to protect sensitive data such as social security numbers, financial account numbers, and the health information of the parties and any children involved. This form ensures that sensitive information is not publicly accessible in court documents.
Certificate of Dissolution (Vital Statistics)
The Certificate of Dissolution formally records the dissolution of the marriage in the state records. This form is filed at the of the beginning of the divorce process and includes vital details such as the names of both parties, the date of the marriage, the date of separation, the grounds for divorce, and the date the divorce is finalized.
Petition for Divorce (Dissolution)
The process begins with a document titled a Petition for Divorce. The person completing the form is the Petitioner, and the other spouse/partner is the Respondent. The Petition is intended to indicate to the court what you are asking for in terms of dividing assets and liabilities.
Summons: Notice about a Marriage or Domestic Partnership
The Summons is the official notice that a divorce action has been initiated and must be served along with the Petition for Dissolution. The Summons informs the Respondent (the other spouse) that they are required to respond to the divorce action.
Forms related to Service
Depending on the specifics of your case, some of these forms may not be required.
Service Accepted (ACSR)
This document is an acknowledgment by the Respondent that they have received the Summons and Petition and are accepting service voluntarily.
Proof of Mailing or Hand Delivery (for documents after Summons and Petition)
This form serves as a verification that certain legal documents have been sent to the other party either by mail or hand delivery after the initial Summons and Petition were served.
Proof of Personal Service
This form provides official proof that documents were personally served on the Respondent, ensuring they have received the necessary legal papers directly.
Agreement re: Service by Email
This form is used when both parties agree to receive and send legal documents via email throughout the divorce proceedings, facilitating faster and more efficient communication.
Agreement to Join Petition (Joinder)
This is a formal agreement where the Respondent agrees to “join” the Petition for Divorce, indicating that they agree with the petition and do not intend to contest the terms.
Response to Petition about a Marriage (to be completed and filed by other spouse)
This form is the formal response by the Respondent to the allegations and requests made in the Petition for Dissolution.
Declaration in Lieu of Formal Proof (no children)
This form is an affidavit where parties attest to the truth of their petition in cases where there are no children from the marriage. This can simplify the divorce process by reducing the need for formal proof through testimony or an evidentiary hearing.
Findings and Conclusions About a Marriage
This document outlines the court’s findings based on the evidence presented and the legal conclusions derived from those findings. It serves as the basis for the final divorce order.
Decree of Divorce
The Decree of Divorce is the final order that officially ends the marriage. It outlines the terms of the divorce, including asset division, responsibility for debts, alimony, and, if applicable, matters related to child custody and support.
The Decree is presented for the judge’s signature after the mandatory waiting period of 90 days and once all other issues are resolved either by agreement or court ruling. Once signed by the judge, along with the Findings above, the marriage is legally dissolved.
Also provided
- Detailed instructions for filing your divorce in King County
- A one-hour consultation with an attorney
- Assistance with e-signing (optional)