In Ohio, grounds for divorce extend beyond the traditional no-fault option. “Extreme cruelty” constitutes one such fault-based ground. It encompasses actions that inflict physical or mental suffering, rendering cohabitation intolerable. Examples include physical abuse, verbal assault, and persistent harassment. The severity and frequency of the conduct are critical factors in determining whether it meets the legal threshold.
Establishing fault-based grounds, like extreme cruelty, can influence divorce proceedings. Successfully demonstrating such conduct may impact decisions regarding property division, spousal support (alimony), and child custody arrangements. Historically, proving fault was the primary means of obtaining a divorce. While no-fault divorces are now more common, proving extreme cruelty can provide a strategic advantage in securing a more favorable outcome for the aggrieved party.
