Whatcom County Family Court Filing Guide

How and where to file family court papers in Whatcom County, Washington: the clerk of court, e-filing, filing fees, and self-help for custody, child support, and divorce.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I file family court papers in Whatcom County, Washington?

Family court matters arising in Whatcom County are filed with the clerk of court for the Whatcom county in Washington. Begin at the Whatcom County court website to confirm the division that handles family cases, the courthouse location, hours, and accepted filing formats. FamilyCourtHelp.com is a self-help resource and not a law firm.

Can I e-file my Whatcom county family case online?

Washington uses eFileWA (participating counties) plus county systems for electronic court filings. Availability for self-represented filers can vary by court and case type, so confirm with the Whatcom county clerk before you submit. Where e-filing is not open to you, the clerk will accept paper filings in person or by mail.

How much does it cost to file in Whatcom County?

Dissolution filing fee: ~$314. Exact Whatcom county amounts are set by the clerk and change over time, so verify the current schedule with the clerk before filing. If you cannot afford the fee, Washington courts let you ask for a fee waiver based on income.

Is there free self-help for self-represented parents in Washington?

Yes. Washington maintains a statewide self-help resource for people without a lawyer, and many county clerks run a local self-help center too. Use those official resources for forms and procedure, and use FamilyCourtHelp.com to organize your case, draft documents, and prepare. This page is educational and not legal advice.