Grounds for divorce refer to the legal reasons or justifications a spouse must provide when filing for divorce. These can include fault-based reasons, such as adultery or cruelty, and no-fault reasons, such as irreconcilable differences or the breakdown of the marriage.
Summary
Grounds for divorce are the legally recognized reasons a spouse cites when seeking to dissolve their marriage. They can vary by state but generally fall into two categories: no-fault grounds (e.g., irreconcilable differences, separation) and fault-based grounds (e.g., adultery, abandonment, cruelty). While no-fault divorces are now common in most states, fault-based divorces may influence decisions on alimony or property division. Understanding your state’s specific laws is essential when determining the grounds for filing.