What are the grounds for divorce?

In the State of Washington, there are six grounds for divorce: (1) irreconcilable differences; (2) adultery; (3) mental cruelty; (4) abandonment for at least one year; (5) drug or alcohol addiction for at least one year; and (6) domestic violence. In order to obtain a divorce on the grounds of irreconcilable differences, the spouses must have lived separately for at least 90 days prior to filing for divorce. A divorce based on adultery requires proof that one of the spouses was involved in extra-marital conduct, either in words or deed, that the title other spouse did not consent to or approve of. Mental cruelty must be carefully documented, as it is often difficult to prove in court. To obtain a divorce based on abandonment, one of the spouses must have left the marriage and the home of the other spouse, without the consent of the other spouse, for at least one year. Addictions to drugs or alcohol must be documented and must have occurred for at least a year preceding the filing of the divorce. Finally, if there is evidence of domestic violence, either in words or deed, between the spouses during the marriage that caused physical or emotional harm, this can be used to obtain a divorce. For any of these grounds for divorce, the court may award the spouse requesting the divorce with equitable distribution of the marital assets, alimony, and child support and custody if applicable.

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