Utah permits divorce based on grounds of irreconcilable differences, meaning that neither party needs to prove fault, such as adultery or abuse, to obtain a divorce. Irreconcilable differences signify that the marriage has broken down to the point where it cannot be repaired. A party seeking a divorce in Utah can simply state that such differences exist, without detailing specific wrongdoings of the other spouse.
The adoption of laws allowing for divorce on the basis of irreconcilable differences has reduced the adversarial nature of divorce proceedings. It minimizes the need for public airing of marital disputes and potentially lowers legal costs, as the focus shifts from assigning blame to resolving issues like property division, child custody, and spousal support. This shift can lead to a more amicable and efficient resolution process for divorcing parties.