Washington · Serving papers · Updated Oct 2026

Serving divorce papers in Washington

After you file in Washington, your spouse must get the papers. This page covers who can deliver the papers, how your spouse can accept or waive service, the deadline to respond, what happens without a response and the law.

The short answer

Someone else (not you) must personally serve your spouse with the Summons and Petition, or your spouse can sign an Acceptance of Service. Time to respond: 20 days after service (60 days if served outside Washington or in a jail or prison)

Accept or waive service
Yes
Law
WA Courts Summons FL Divorce 200 (09/2026); CR 4.1; RCW 4.28.180

How papers are served in Washington

  • Someone else (not you) must personally serve your spouse with the Summons and Petition, or your spouse can sign an Acceptance of Service.
  • Service by mail or publication needs court permission in some situations.

Law: WA Courts Summons FL Divorce 200 (09/2026); CR 4.1; RCW 4.28.180

Deadline to respond and default

20 days after service (60 days if served outside Washington or in a jail or prison)

If your spouse doesn't respond in time, you can usually ask the judge for a default judgment.

Serving your spouse in Washington, step by step

  1. File your papers first

    File with the Superior Court in your county. Service comes after filing.

  2. Serve the papers

    Service by mail or publication needs court permission in some situations.

  3. Or have your spouse sign

    Someone else (not you) must personally serve your spouse with the Summons and Petition, or your spouse can sign an Acceptance of Service.

  4. File proof of service

    File the proof of service with the court.

  5. Watch the deadline

    20 days after service (60 days if served outside Washington or in a jail or prison)

  6. If there is no response

    If your spouse doesn't respond in time, you can usually ask the judge for a default judgment.

Questions about serving divorce papers in Washington

How do you serve divorce papers in Washington?

Someone else (not you) must personally serve your spouse with the Summons and Petition, or your spouse can sign an Acceptance of Service. Service by mail or publication needs court permission in some situations.

Can my spouse accept or waive service in Washington?

Someone else (not you) must personally serve your spouse with the Summons and Petition, or your spouse can sign an Acceptance of Service.

How long does my spouse have to respond in Washington?

20 days after service (60 days if served outside Washington or in a jail or prison)

More about divorce in Washington

Serving papers in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.