Which state was the first to adopt a "no fault" divorce law?

California was the first state to adopt a "no fault" divorce law in 1970. This groundbreaking legislation allowed couples to divorce without having to prove wrongdoing by either party, significantly changing the divorce process. Prior to this law, individuals seeking a divorce were required to establish fault—such as adultery or abandonment—which could complicate and prolong legal proceedings. The introduction of "no fault" divorces aimed to simplify this process and to reduce the emotional strain on the parties involved. The law's implementation in California set a precedent, influencing other states to follow suit in subsequent years. Consequently, California's pioneering role in this legislative change has been recognized as a significant development in family law in the United States.