When you are ready to end your marriage, you must inform the court why you want a divorce. In most Georgia divorces, one or both spouses can and will tell the court that they have just grown apart or can no longer get along. That’s perfectly acceptable and is commonly called “no-fault” divorce.
Although this is an approved no-fault reason to get divorced, there are other reasons, or “grounds,” upon which a spouse can seek divorce.
Acceptable divorce grounds in Georgia
As in most states, you do not have to prove that your spouse engaged in some action or behavior that led to your breakup. However, there may be cases in which a spouse chooses to file for divorce for a specific reason. These approved divorce grounds include:
- Irretrievable breakdown of the marriage
- Adultery on the part of your spouse
- Desertion by your spouse for at least one year
- Insanity or mental incapacitation
- Alcohol and drug addiction or abuse
- Cruelty or violence on the spouse’s part
- Your spouse must go to jail (for two years or more)
- Marriage by force or fraud
- Pregnancy by another man at the time of marriage
- Biological relation to one another
- Inability to have sexual relations
As you can see, Georgia allows residents to get divorced for many reasons. If you want to end your marriage but do not know whether citing divorce grounds is necessary or useful, it can be helpful to ask questions. Talking with a legal advocate can help protect your rights throughout the entire process. Legal guidance also ensures that you receive a fair property settlement as well as an acceptable custody plan for any children you share with your spouse.