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What is a fault divorce?

Although all states have no-fault grounds, some spouses will file based on specific fault grounds. They may do this because they may not have met the period of separation required for no-fault grounds or because they derive some other benefit from it. The spouse alleging fault grounds is responsible for proving it to the court. Fault grounds are based on state law and defined there. The following are some common fault-based grounds for divorce:

Cruel and Inhuman Treatment

This term is defined under state law. However, it’s more than a simple misconduct or incompatibility. The conduct must be to such an extreme level that continued cohabitation threatens the other spouse’s physical or mental health. Ongoing physical or emotional abuse may be proof of this ground.

Adultery
Adultery is common fault-based ground for divorce. However, state law may vary on what is considered adultery. For example, some states specify that adultery involves the physical act of sexual intercourse in order to qualify as such. Adultery is often proven with circumstantial evidence, such as showing that a spouse and a third party was romantically attached and had the opportunity to commit adultery. Judges must often decide whether or not adultery has occurred by the totality of the circumstances. Being guilty of the same conduct or forgiving the conduct and resuming sexual relations with the adulterous spouse are specific defenses to adultery.

Incarceration
The state statute may allow for fault-based divorce if a spouse is incarcerated for a specific amount of time, such as over one year.

Insanity
If a spouse is confined for mental illness for a certain period of time in accordance with state law, this may be grounds for divorce.

Abandonment
Abandonment or desertion is another fault-based ground that may be recognized by the state. The statute regarding this ground usually specifies the amount of time that has lapsed since the spouse abandoned the other, usually for a year or more. Abandonment happens when one spouse voluntarily leaves the other with the intent to desert him or her. The clock on the required time-frame starts once the spouse has abandoned the other. Reconciling and then parting ways again may or may not defeat this ground, depending on state law.

Substance Abuse
Some states allow for fault grounds based on habitual drunkenness or drug addiction.

Impotence
If one or both partners are not able to perform sexually, the state may allow this reason for divorce.

Benefit of Proving Fault
In some states, proving fault affects the financial outcome of a divorce. As an example, if a judge finds that a spouse commits adultery and used marital assets to supplement a lover’s lifestyle, he or she may consider this fact when determining how to distribute property or how much alimony to award. A spouse is ineligible for alimony if he or she committed adultery or was proven to be abusive in the relationship, in some states.

For divorce assistance, contact the Divorce Attorney Tampa for your Free Consultation at (813) 336-3616.

The information provided is for your reference only, is not intended to be advice, and should not be construed as such. The information provided or legal statutes may change at any time, and we are not accountable for the accuracy of this information. Use of this website or information provided does not constitute a client-attorney relationship. Please contact us for legal assistance with your specific question or need.

 

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