Grounds for Divorce Explained
July 9, 2026 · 1 min read
No-fault vs. fault grounds, what 'irreconcilable differences' really means, and why most couples never need to prove anything.
In this article
Free divorce tips
Occasional, useful guidance. Unsubscribe anytime.
Ready when you are
Begin your divorce online
Take the first step at your own pace. No account needed to start.
Begin your divorce- Attorney-reviewed guides
- All 50 states + DC
- Flat fee, no hidden costs
- Self-help service, not a law firm
'Grounds' is just the legal reason you're giving the court for the divorce. It used to be a big deal; today, for most couples, it's a formality.
No-fault: the modern default
Every state allows a no-fault divorce. You state that the marriage is broken, using language like 'irreconcilable differences' or 'irretrievable breakdown', and that's enough. You don't have to prove wrongdoing, and your spouse can't block the divorce by disagreeing that it's over.
Fault grounds still exist (but you rarely need them)
Some states still allow fault grounds such as adultery or cruelty. Proving fault can occasionally affect things like property or support in certain states, but it makes the process slower and more combative. Most people choose no-fault precisely to avoid that.
Why no-fault fits an uncontested divorce
No-fault and uncontested go hand in hand: no blame to assign, nothing to prove, just two people agreeing the marriage has ended. It's the simplest, calmest way to state your grounds.
For the vast majority of divorces, 'irreconcilable differences' is all you'll ever need to write down.
