Washington’s divorce rate is generally higher than the national average, though it has been declining. The crude rate is typically between 2.8 and 3.5 divorces per 1,000 residents. This positions the state in the upper-middle tier nationwide. Higher population density and a larger urban population help explain the elevated rate. Apparently, Washingtonians find city life exciting – even when it comes to ending marriages.
The median length of marriage in Washington State is about 18.3 years. This includes both ongoing and ended marriages. So, Washington couples call it quits a bit early—just enough time to remember each other’s coffee order.
| Age Group (Years) | U.S. Divorce Rate per 1,000 Married Women (2021) | Key Washington/National Trend Observations | Washington Overall Divorce Rate (Recent Estimates) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15–24 | 19.7 | Highest risk rate nationally. Divorce risk is highest for those who marry young. | 2.9 per 1,000 total population (Crude Rate, 2021) |
| 25–34 | 16.3 | High rate, though declining for younger generations nationally. | Highest number of divorces often involves individuals aged 30–44 in Washington State |
| 35–44 | 14.9 | Marriages that last the median duration (around 8 years) often end in divorce for individuals in this age bracket. | 12.1% of the Washington population is currently divorced (higher than the national average) |
| 45–54 | 14.1 | Stable rate, slightly lower than younger groups. | |
| 55–64 | 11.8 | Part of the “Gray Divorce” trend; the rate for this older group has more than doubled since 1990. | |
| 65 and older | 5.5 | Lowest rate, but the fastest-growing demographic for divorce since 1990. |
Divorce Rate in Washington in 2025
- Average Crude Divorce Rate: Washington’s divorce rate is about 2.5 per 1,000 residents, roughly at the national average – so marriages here are neither doomed nor miraculous.
- Pure No-Fault State: Since 1973, couples can divorce simply by claiming the marriage is “irretrievably broken.” No proof of wrongdoing required. Translation: blame is optional, paperwork mandatory.
- Strict Community Property State: Washington is one of nine states following Community Property Law – assets, income, and debts acquired during marriage are generally considered jointly owned.
- “Just and Equitable” Division: Courts can deviate from a 50/50 split if circumstances demand, considering both community and separate property. Because fairness is apparently negotiable.
- No Minimum Residency Requirement: You can file for divorce as long as you reside in Washington on filing day and intend to stay.
- Mandatory 90-Day Waiting Period: The divorce cannot be finalized until 90 days after filing and service. A perfect time to rethink all those “irretrievably broken” promises.
- Fault is Irrelevant: Adultery, cruelty, or other misconduct are irrelevant in property division or alimony – decisions are based solely on fairness and financial needs.
Divorce Rate in Washington in 2024
- Near-Average Crude Divorce Rate: Washington’s crude divorce rate is about 2.5–2.7 per 1,000 residents, right around the national average.
- Pure No-Fault State: Divorce requires only that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.” No proof of adultery, cruelty, or other faults is needed. Blame optional, paperwork mandatory.
- Mandatory 90-Day Waiting Period: The court cannot finalize a divorce until 90 days after the petition is filed and served, even if both spouses agree on everything. Plenty of time to rethink all those “irretrievably broken” promises.
- Community Property State: All property and debts acquired during marriage are presumed equally owned (50/50), though separate property (owned before marriage or by gift/inheritance) is excluded. Because fairness is apparently negotiable.
- Marital Fault Mostly Irrelevant: Misconduct like adultery or verbal abuse does not affect property division or alimony. Exception: serious financial mismanagement can be considered.
- Short Residency Requirement: Only state residency on filing day is required; there is no minimum residency period.
- Mediation Encouraged: Courts often require mediation before trial, helping over 95% of cases settle without litigation.
Divorce Rate in Washington in 2023
- Above-Average Crude Divorce Rate: Washington’s divorce rate is around 2.7 per 1,000 residents, above the national average of ~2.5—divorces are slightly more common here than elsewhere.
- Pure No-Fault State: The only legal ground for divorce is that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.” Adultery, cruelty, or other fault is irrelevant. Because nothing says “fair” like ending a marriage without proving who messed up.
- Mandatory 90-Day Waiting Period: Divorces cannot be finalized until 90 days after filing and service, even if both spouses agree.
- Community Property State: All assets and debts acquired during the marriage are presumed jointly owned. Fifty-fifty… unless a judge thinks you need a little more or a little less.
- “Just and Equitable” Division: Courts may adjust the 50/50 split based on fairness, the marriage length, or financial needs of either spouse.
- Residency Requirement: Either spouse must simply reside in Washington (or be stationed there in the armed forces) at filing. Residency rules? Easy – just be there on the day you file.
- Length of Marriage Impacts Outcome:
- Short-Term (<5 years): Courts try to restore pre-marriage financial positions.
- Long-Term (25+ years): Courts aim to equalize long-term living standards.