Divorce in Washington
State-specific overview · Family Law
Washington is a pure no-fault divorce state with no mandatory waiting period after filing.
How Washington treats Divorce
Washington recognizes only "irretrievable breakdown of the marriage" as grounds for divorce, eliminating fault-based claims entirely. Either spouse may file without proving wrongdoing, and divorce can proceed quickly once filed. Washington is a community property state, meaning most assets and debts acquired during marriage are split equally between spouses. Courts may impose a waiting period of up to 90 days from service of the petition, but this is discretionary rather than mandatory.
The general definition of Divorce
The legal dissolution of a marriage, ending the spouses' rights and responsibilities to each other.
Divorce is the legal process by which a married couple ends their marriage. It involves a court officially terminating the marriage and typically requires decisions about property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support. The process can be contested, where the spouses disagree on terms, or uncontested, where they agree on the major issues. Once a divorce is finalized, both parties are free to remarry and are no longer legally responsible for each other.
Read the full Divorce entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Washington.