Grounds for Divorce

What is Grounds for Divorce?

The reasons specified by a spouse for the right to get a divorce. Most states now grant a no-fault divorce and one based on a period of uninterrupted separation. Each state also maintains some fault grounds. In a contested divorce, there may be a trial or hearing in which the plaintiff and/or defendant must prove one or more grounds for divorce or for defending against it.

Further Reading

For more detailed information, see our related Family Law terms:

• Fault Divorce
• Irreconcilable Differences
• Recrimination
• Annulment
• Alimony

Reviewed by

Stephanie Bagnall

Licensed Attorney and Legal Researcher

Stephanie Bagnall is a Georgia-licensed attorney and legal researcher with experience in accessibility law, compliance, employment law, and legal writing. She helps develop and review BarPrepHero's Legal Terms content for clarity, accuracy, and usefulness to bar exam students.

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