In Nebraska, a dissolution of marriage can occur without assigning blame to either party. This approach simplifies the legal process by focusing on the irretrievable breakdown of the marital relationship, rather than requiring proof of wrongdoing such as adultery or abuse. Instead, the court needs only find that the marriage is irretrievably broken to grant the divorce. A common scenario involves a couple mutually agreeing that their marriage is no longer viable, allowing them to proceed with the divorce based on this agreement alone.
This approach offers several advantages. It can reduce conflict and animosity between the divorcing parties, leading to more amicable settlements regarding property division, spousal support, and child custody arrangements. Historically, proving fault in a divorce was often costly and emotionally draining, requiring extensive evidence and potentially exposing sensitive personal matters in court. By removing the fault requirement, the process can become more efficient and less adversarial, potentially lowering legal costs and emotional stress for all involved. Furthermore, it acknowledges that marriages sometimes end simply because the parties have grown apart, rather than due to any single act of misconduct.