The dissolution of marriage in Illinois without requiring proof of wrongdoing by either party is a significant aspect of family law. This approach allows a marriage to be legally terminated based solely on the grounds of irreconcilable differences, where the marital relationship has broken down irretrievably. For example, if a couple no longer wishes to remain married and both agree that the marriage is beyond repair, they can pursue this type of dissolution.
This system offers numerous benefits by reducing the adversarial nature of divorce proceedings. It can lead to lower legal costs and emotional distress for all parties involved, including children. Historically, proving fault (such as adultery or abuse) was required, which often prolonged and complicated the divorce process. The introduction of this approach streamlines the procedure, focusing instead on the equitable distribution of assets and the well-being of any children.