Legal reasons justifying the dissolution of a marriage within the state of Arkansas encompass a variety of situations, some requiring proof of fault while others are based on the irretrievable breakdown of the marital relationship. These reasons provide the legal basis for a court to grant a divorce. For example, habitual drunkenness for a period of one year is a specific basis. Cruel and barbarous treatment is another reason that falls under the fault-based category.
Understanding these legal justifications is critical for individuals contemplating ending their marriage, as it directly impacts the divorce proceedings and potential outcomes regarding property division, alimony, and child custody. Historically, fault-based reasons were the primary basis for divorce. The introduction of “no-fault” divorce significantly changed the landscape, allowing couples to divorce without proving wrongdoing, simply by stating that the marriage is beyond repair. The availability of multiple reasons provides individuals with options that may best suit their circumstances and potentially streamline the process.