A lawyer is not legally required to get a divorce in Seattle. However, getting a divorce is not user-friendly. 
Because divorce involves reorganizing every aspect of your life, there are technical details that can create unintended consequences if not properly addressed. The most difficult task in a divorce is coming to a good agreement that will work over the long-term. If you and your spouse can come to terms, it is best to have a lawyer write up the agreement and handle the paperwork; that part is relatively simple for a lawyer and pretty inexpensive. The most expensive part is reaching an agreement or outcome, especially if you’re working with conventional court-oriented lawyers. There’s little more expensive in divorce than a court fight. Working with a mediator is an excellent way to keep costs low while getting professional assistance. In mediation, you and your spouse meet with a mediator who assists you in reach agreement. The entire focus of mediation is to reach agreement, and you do not incur the costs paying multiple lawyers who are trying to outmaneuver the other. Once you’ve reached an agreement in mediation, you can have your lawyer(s) simply write it up and provide any additional legal advice you may need. Your lawyer can also handle the ratification of your agreement by the court.