Top 5 Grounds for Divorce in Washington State: What You Need to Know. If you’re considering a divorce in Washington State, there are a few things you might not be aware of, but hopefully these few tips will be helpful.
Fortunately, Washington State is a “no-fault” divorce state, meaning you are not required to provide a reason for your divorce, though you are free to do so if you so choose.
In Washington State, there are five grounds for divorce based on fault.
Divorce Without Fault
Since Washington State is a “no-fault” divorce state, one spouse can apply for divorce without having to provide evidence of the other spouse’s “fault” or misconduct.
Simply state that your marriage is “irretrievably broken.” Therefore, neither partner has to hold the other accountable for the breakdown of the marriage.
Divorce Based on Fault
Even though Washington State is a “no-fault” state, a fault-based divorce can still be filed. Cruelty, desertion, adultery, and incarceration are the four grounds for a fault-based divorce.
Inhumanity
You may seek for a fault-based divorce on the grounds of cruelty if one spouse treated the other cruelly.
Desertion
You have the right to seek for a fault-based divorce if your spouse has left you without a good reason.
As you can see, getting a divorce is not a pleasant experience, but there are several reasons why you can end your marriage and begin your new chapter “guilt-free” in Washington State.
