Is Washington State a “no fault” state for divorce?
Yes, Washington State is a no-fault divorce state. This means that neither spouse needs to prove wrongdoing—such as adultery or abuse—to obtain a dissolution (also called divorce). Instead, one spouse can file by stating that the marriage is “irretrievably broken,” and the court will proceed with the divorce process. This approach aims to reduce conflict and simplify the legal proceedings.
There is a 90-Day waiting period prior to a dissolution being finalized.
In Washington, the legal grounds for divorce are limited to the assertion that the marriage has experienced an “irretrievable breakdown.” This means that even if one spouse disagrees or contests the divorce, the court can still grant it if the filing spouse maintains that the marriage cannot be saved.
It’s important to note that while Washington is a no-fault state, certain behaviors—such as financial misconduct or intentional destruction of property—may influence decisions regarding property division or spousal support. However, these considerations are separate from the fault-based grounds for divorce.
Washington state Family Law Attorneys
If you’re considering divorce in Washington, it’s advisable to consult with a family law attorney to understand your rights and the specific procedures involved. The experienced divorce attorneys with Althauser Rayan Abbarno are available for consultations and to help explain your rights. Our Althauser Rayan Abbarno attorneys are trial ready and prepared to discuss your rights on divorce, child support, spousal maintenance, property division, and protection orders.
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