Ground(s) for Divorce

Each state’s divorce statutes set forth certain improper or troublesome behavior that constitutes a "legal reason" for the court to grant a divorce. The following list, based on Massachusetts law, is for illustrative purposes only. Each term has a legal definition which may differ from commonly used English. Your state may 1) not recognize all the grounds set forth, and 2) may include other grounds. Consult local counsel. See Fault and No-Fault Divorce.
1. Adultery
2. Cruel and abusive treatment
3. Utter desertion
4. Long-term incarceration
5. Gross and confirmed habits of intoxication
6. Non-support
7. Impotency
8. Irretrievable breakdown of the marriage (no-fault)