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Grounds For Divorce Defined

By Cathy Meyer, About.com

Definition:

Each state’s divorce laws set forth certain behaviors that constitutes a legal reason for the court to grant a divorce.

Your state may 1) not recognize all the grounds set forth below, and 2)may include other grounds. Consult with a local attorney or inspect your state's divorce laws. See also Fault and No-Fault Divorce.

  • Adultery

  • Cruel and abusive treatment

  • Desertion

  • Long-term incarceration

  • Drug or alcohol addiction

  • Impotency

  • Irretrievable breakdown of the marriage

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