You probably have your reasons for wanting to end your marriage. Maybe the relationship has changed, communication has broken down or you’ve simply grown apart. Whatever the reason, you may be wondering if you’ll be required to give a specific reason or prove your spouse’s wrongdoing when filing for divorce.
Fortunately, you don’t have to. Washington is a no-fault divorce state, which means neither spouse needs to show that the other did anything wrong. There’s no need to list infidelity, abuse or abandonment as the reason for the split, although these factors may affect custody, support or property decisions.
The only legal ground required is that the marriage is broken irretrievably, and it doesn’t matter whether your spouse agrees to the dissolution. As long as you believe the relationship can’t be repaired, the court will generally accept that and allow the divorce to proceed.
You still have to follow the process
While you don’t have to give reasons for ending your marriage, you must meet certain requirements to get legally divorced. For starters, either you or your spouse must be a resident of Washington. Unlike some other states, you are not required to have lived in the state for a specific duration to file for divorce. There is also a mandatory waiting period of 90 days after filing or serving your spouse with the necessary paperwork before the court can finalize your divorce.
Understand how everything works
Washington’s no-fault approach may make filing for divorce easier, but navigating the process requires clarity, preparation and careful consideration. You’ll still have to address important issues, such as how property will be divided, whether alimony is appropriate, and, if children are involved, each parent’s parenting time and responsibilities.
The outcome of your divorce can have a lasting impact on your future, making it essential to understand what lies ahead, along with your rights and obligations. Reaching out for professional legal guidance early in the process can help you make informed decisions and protect your interests.
