In New Mexico, a dissolution of marriage can be granted without assigning blame to either party. This signifies that neither spouse needs to prove wrongdoing, such as adultery or abuse, to obtain a divorce. Instead, a divorce can be pursued based on incompatibility, meaning the couple can no longer live together harmoniously. This approach simplifies the legal process, as it removes the necessity of presenting potentially damaging evidence in court.
The absence of a fault-based requirement in divorce proceedings offers several advantages. It can reduce conflict and animosity between divorcing spouses, allowing them to focus on cooperation, particularly regarding child custody and asset division. Historically, proving fault could be costly and time-consuming, increasing the emotional strain on all parties involved. Removing this burden can lead to more amicable settlements and reduce the overall stress associated with ending a marriage.
