Fault and No Fault Divorce -
All You Need to Know about Them

Everything about Fault and No Fault Divorce
Fault and No Fault Divorce – All You Need to Know about Them
June 11th, 2021

The legal separation period can be emotionally, financially, and physically overwhelming for people due to the legal jargon. If you attempt to get a divorce, you may find yourself confronted with the legal system for the first time, and at the initial stage, deciding on which path to take can be difficult.

Even after doing some initial research, you may find yourself more confused. Fault divorce or No-fault divorce? What does Fault or No-fault divorce mean? Besides, what potential implications can such terms have for you and your condition?

Fault Divorce

What Is a Fault Divorce?

In the case of fault divorce, one spouse may allegedly argue and confess that the other spouse has done something amiss that caused the marriage to collapse. However, different states have their distinct set of fault grounds. But most of the states still permit spouses to claim fault as the ground for a divorce. Here are some common grounds for fault divorce:

  • Substance abuse
  • Adultery
  • Abandonment
  • A felony conviction, etc.

What Is a No-Fault Divorce?

No-Fault Divorces, in general, indicate the separation based on
“irretrievable breakdown of the marriage” or “irreconcilable differences.” However, these two are just fancy ways of accepting that the couple is no longer willing to get along. Furthermore, there is no hope alive for settlement.

When you fill out your legal paperwork or petition for the separation under a
no-fault divorce situation, you are letting the court know of your agreement in seeking a marriage separation based on irreconcilable differences. However, you are not required to disclose to the court what led you to the divorce. Or else, you do not need to show evidence that the divorce is due to your spouse’s fault.

Under a no-fault divorce, you are also not required to claim that your spouse is engaged in faulty behavior, as the court will not consider each spouse’s wrongdoing while deciding whether to grant the separation.

Many states now have laws that allow filing for a complete no-fault divorce.
Previously, people were required to show evidence of their spouse’s faulty behavior in front of the court to get a divorce in a few states. But presently, that is not the case anymore.

Even states that do not acknowledge irreconcilable differences, a couple can
draft a petition and can get a divorce based on the ground of “separation.”

If you and your spouse are willing to avoid alleging fault, you can do so by proving that you both are getting separated for the needed period. In this case, the best divorce lawyer in the town can help you during the further process.

Fault Divorce v/s No-Fault Divorce

Before filing for a divorce, you need to understand how these two divorce patterns work. In terms of fault divorce, if you file for separation, that must state valid grounds for the divorce as well as you have to be completely prepared to support those grounds with convincing evidence. Essentially, one spouse needs to prove the allegations of wrongdoing that the other spouse has committed.

In the state of no-fault divorce, you only need to assert to the court that the marriage is going through a pressing breakdown and is beyond repair. There is no sensible expectation for possible conciliation. You do not require to petition the court to show that the other spouse committed any improper behavior. And eventually, it does not matter which spouse chooses to file for the divorce, either husband or wife.

Benefits of Fault-Based Divorces and No-Fault Divorces

Fault-Based Divorces
In the event of fault divorces, the separation procedure can be a little complex compared to no-fault divorces. However, if you are willing to highlight the shortcomings of your former partner during the proceedings, it can stand as a good choice.

The identification of your spouse’s mistake can help more explicitly express your needs in disagreements about:

  • Alimony
  • Child custody
  • Child support
  • Other proceedings

Besides, if there is proof that your spouse was abusive, deceitful, or otherwise violated the spousal liabilities, the chances are, the court can decide in your favor.

No-Fault Divorces

Under the section of no-fault divorces, especially in the collaborative case,
the process is simpler than fault divorces. The procedure is further easier on the pockets as well as less time-consuming. A couple can entirely focus on completing the proceedings and getting the divorce with small augment without alleging the misconduct at the core of a case.

 Fault Divorce vs. No-Fault Divorce

What Should I Choose between Fault Divorce & No-Fault Divorce?

Deciding whether you would like to receive a fault or no-fault divorce will
totally depend on the reason for getting separation from your partner, including what you expect to obtain from the separation proceeding.

However, if you consider getting a divorce, contacting the best divorce attorney would be beneficial. The well-practiced lawyers are always aware of the divorce pattern and can advise you which one will be the best process regarding your situation. In addition, they are always available for general to severe cases and discuss representation in your separation case.

Are you thinking of getting separation from your partner? Then, file a divorce petition and obtain a settlement after completing the separation period without the additional hassle of legal dialects. We at The Legal Helpers bring a platform where you can connect with divorce attorneys by simply filling up the form provided here! Yes, it is that easy; try now!

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