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Washington State raises Court Costs

by | Jul 23, 2025 | Articles

At Althauser Rayan Abbarno, we believe our clients should always be prepared for changes in the law—especially when it affects access to the court system. An important piece of legislation—House Bill 1207 — was passed during the 2025 legislative session and will impact court costs and recording fees across Washington State beginning July 27, 2025.

🧾 House Bill 1207 – New $50 Superior Court Filing Surcharge

HB 1207 adds a $50 surcharge to most filings in Superior Court, including:

  • Civil lawsuits
  • Probate matters
  • Family law filings (such as divorce or child custody)

How the $50 is distributed:

  • $20 to the Washington State Library and Archives Account
  • $30 to the Judicial Stabilization Trust Account

This surcharge is in addition to existing court filing fees, increasing the total cost to file many court documents.

➡️ For example, filing for a dissolution of marriage (divorce) now costs $364 in total (previously $314), effective July 28, 2025.

💍 House Bill 1498 – Marriage License Fees Increase by $100

HB 1498 raises the cost of a marriage license from approximately $72 to $172 (varies by county), with the $100 increase going directly to the state’s Domestic Violence Prevention Account. Previously, perpetrators of domestic violence paid a Victim Assessment Penalty that paid for victims to recover. In 2023, HB 1169 was passed that eliminated the assessment on criminals.

This change also takes effect July 27, 2025, and applies to all new marriage license applications across Washington State.

⚖️ Why These Changes Matter

For families, individuals, and small businesses, higher court and recording fees can become barriers to justice and planning. Whether you are navigating a divorce, planning an estate, getting married, or resolving a legal dispute—the costs to access the legal system are going up.

The attorneys at Althauser Rayan Abbarno in Centralia are here to help you understand your rights and plan ahead for legal expenses in 2025 and beyond.

🏛️ Contact Our Attorneys Today

Whether you’re filing in Superior Court, applying for a marriage license, or just want to understand how these legislative changes affect you—call Althauser Rayan Abbarno today for a consultation:

📍 Centralia Office: (360) 736-1301
🌐 CentraliaLaw.com
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