Marriage counseling or couples therapy is the process of spouses working with a trained professional (usually a psychologist) to resolve problems in their relationship, with the goal of saving the relationship and marriage. Marriage counseling is generally not required before getting divorced, but in some states courts have the discretion to require couples seeking a divorce to engage in marriage counseling—although this is rare. And in some states the court may order the spouses to attend marriage counseling if one spouse requests it. But because a spouse is generally entitled to a divorce on no-fault grounds (without claiming or proving fault in the breakup of the marriage), marriage counseling is not usually a significant factor in the divorce process, and if one spouse wants a divorce, it will be granted.

In Washington State, marriage counseling or couples therapy is a voluntary process where spouses work with a trained therapist to address issues in their relationship. While it can be a helpful step for couples looking to resolve conflicts and improve their marriage, it is not a legal requirement prior to filing for divorce. Washington is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that a divorce can be granted without the need to prove wrongdoing by either party. The courts in Washington generally do not have the authority to require couples to undergo marriage counseling before granting a divorce. If one spouse wants a divorce, it will typically be granted, regardless of whether marriage counseling has been sought or completed.