Divorce is the legal termination of a marriage or marital union. It is a legal process that dissolves the bonds of matrimony between a married couple under the rule of law of the particular country or state.
Divorce laws vary considerably around the world, but in most countries, divorce requires the sanction of a court or other authority in a legal process, which may involve issues of distribution of property, child custody, alimony (spousal support), child visitation / access, parenting time, child support, and division of debt. In most countries, monogamy is required by law, so divorce allows each former partner to marry another person.
There are two main types of divorce:
- No-fault divorce: This type of divorce does not require either spouse to prove that the other spouse was responsible for the breakdown of the marriage. Instead, the divorce is granted on the grounds of irreconcilable differences or irretrievable marriage breakdown.
- Fault divorce: This type of divorce requires one spouse to prove that the other spouse committed a marital offense, such as adultery, cruelty, or desertion. Fault divorces are less common than no-fault divorces in most countries.
The divorce process can be complex and emotional, and it is important to seek legal advice from an experienced divorce attorney.
Here are some common reasons for divorce:
- Incompatibility: The spouses may find that they have different values, goals, or interests, and that they are unable to resolve their differences.
- Communication problems: The spouses may have difficulty communicating effectively with each other, which can lead to resentment and conflict.
- Infidelity: Extramarital affairs are a common cause of divorce.
- Financial problems: Financial stress can put a strain on a marriage and lead to divorce.
- Substance abuse: If one or both spouses are struggling with addiction, it can have a negative impact on the marriage and lead to divorce.
- Domestic violence: Physical or emotional abuse is a serious cause of divorce.