Sarah Palin’s Husband Files for Divorce After 31 years

Divorcing from a long-term spouse can be extremely difficult, particularly if you have been in the public eye for many years. Former Alaskan governor and vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin is now facing divorce from her husband of 31 years, Todd Palin. The couple has been married since 1988 and have five children together, including an 11-year-old son with Down Syndrome.

Todd filed for divorce, saying that they are incompatible when it comes to temperament and that it is not possible for them to continue living together as husband and wife. Todd is requesting an equal division of the couple’s assets and debts, as well as shared custody of their 11-year-old son.

Nowadays, all states recognize “no-fault” divorce, essentially meaning that you do not have to show the court that your spouse is at-fault in order to file for divorce. Washington is a strictly a “no-fault” divorce state, which says that “irretrievable breakdown of the marriage” is the only legal ground for divorce. Basically, if you want a divorce, you can get one for pretty much any reason.

However, some states do recognize fault divorces, which allows one spouse to file for divorce based on a fault of the other spouse (e.g. adultery, emotional or physical abuse (cruelty), abandonment). In a fault divorce, couples are not required to live apart for any specific amount of time and the at-fault spouse may get less marital property or financial support.

Even in a no-fault state like Washington, filing for divorce can be a complicated process. A divorce attorney in your area can make sure your paperwork is completed and filed correctly, and make sure to fight for the things most important to you in the divorce.