Legal reasons that a court will accept to end a marriage in Illinois fall into two primary categories: irreconcilable differences and fault-based grounds. Irreconcilable differences, often referred to as “no-fault” divorce, signify that the marriage has irretrievably broken down, reconciliation attempts have failed, and future reconciliation is impracticable. Examples of fault-based reasons include adultery, abandonment, extreme and repeated physical or mental cruelty, habitual drunkenness, and conviction of a felony.
Understanding the basis for dissolving a marriage is crucial because it influences the legal process and potential outcomes. Historically, fault-based reasons were the only avenue for dissolution, placing a significant burden on individuals seeking to end a marriage. The introduction of irreconcilable differences simplified the process and reduced the adversarial nature of divorce proceedings, promoting a more amicable resolution in many cases. This shift acknowledges the reality that marriages often end due to factors beyond provable misconduct.
