Do I Need Grounds for Divorce in Washington?

Understanding Divorce Laws in Washington State

In Washington, divorce law operates on the principle of "no-fault," making it one of the "no grounds" states. This means that you do not need to present any evidence of wrongdoing or fault by your spouse to file for divorce. Instead, one party simply needs to believe that the marriage is irretrievably broken, which serves as a sufficient ground for the dissolution of marriage.

This no-fault system aims to reduce potential conflicts and make the process of divorce less adversarial. It's crucial to understand that the court doesn't consider the misconduct of a party when dividing property, unless it was egregious or affected the couple's assets.

What Does “Irretrievable Breakdown” Mean?

"Irretrievable Breakdown" is a legal term used in no-fault divorce states, like Washington, to denote a marriage that has failed beyond repair. This terminology implies that the marital relationship has deteriorated to such an extent that it cannot be saved or revitalized, making the continuation of the marriage impossible. This could be due to persistent disagreements, conflict, or other insurmountable issues within the marital relationship.

It is important to note that the court does not require the consent of both parties to conclude that the marriage is irretrievably broken. If one party asserts this claim, the court can proceed with the divorce proceedings.

Can Wrongdoing Affect the Distribution of Assets in a No-Fault State?

Even though Washington is a no-fault state, egregious wrongdoing by a party can potentially impact divorce proceedings. Particularly, it can influence the division of marital assets and the determination of child custody. Egregious conduct, in this context, refers to behavior that is shockingly bad or unacceptable. It should be so severe that it has a substantial impact on the financial condition of the marital estate or significantly influences the welfare of the child.

Examples of egregious wrongdoing may include:

• Financial Misconduct: This can include excessive spending, hiding assets, or fraudulent financial activities that deplete the marital estate.
• Domestic Violence: Courts consider any history of abuse when determining child custody, as the safety and well-being of the child are paramount.
• Substance Abuse: Chronic alcoholism or drug abuse can affect child support or custody decisions, as they can inhibit a parent's ability to provide a suitable environment for the child.
• Adultery that Impacts Finances: While adultery does not typically affect asset distribution in Washington, it might be considered if the affair resulted in significant financial loss to the marital estate.
• Child Abuse or Neglect: Evidence of child abuse or neglect can drastically influence child custody decisions, with the offending parent possibly losing their custody rights.

How to File for Divorce in a State that Does Not Require Grounds

Experienced Washington State Divorce Guidance

To file for divorce in a no-fault state like Washington, you first need to meet the state's residency requirements. Generally, at least one spouse needs to be a resident for a certain period. Next, you will need to fill out a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage form, stating that the marriage is irretrievably broken. This form, along with other necessary documents, should be filed at your local county court. Once the papers are filed and fees are paid, you must serve copies of these documents to your spouse, following the proper legal procedures for service.

Seeking the help of a professional family law attorney during this process can make a significant difference. An attorney, like ours at McKinley Irvin, can provide you with invaluable guidance, ensuring that all paperwork is correctly filled out and filed, and that you comply with all legal procedures.

We can also help protect your interests, especially when it comes to complex issues like division of assets, alimony, and child custody. Call us at 206-397-0399 to learn more and schedule a consultation.