In Texas, a legal dissolution of marriage can be granted based on specific grounds, where one party is deemed responsible for the marital breakdown. This contrasts with a no-fault divorce, where no misconduct needs to be proven. Examples of these grounds include adultery, cruelty, abandonment, and felony conviction. If successfully proven, the court may consider the culpable partys actions when dividing marital property or determining spousal maintenance.
Pursuing a divorce on these grounds can significantly impact the outcome of the proceedings, especially concerning the division of assets and liabilities. Historically, establishing fault was the primary method for securing a divorce. While no-fault options are now available, asserting fault remains a strategic consideration in some cases. Successfully demonstrating fault can lead to a more favorable settlement for the injured spouse, particularly in situations involving egregious misconduct or financial dissipation by the other spouse.