In Oklahoma, dissolution of marriage proceedings can be initiated based on two grounds: fault and no-fault. The no-fault ground asserts that the marriage is irretrievably broken, meaning there is no reasonable possibility of reconciliation. This approach eliminates the need to prove wrongdoing or misconduct by either spouse as the cause for the divorce. Instead, the focus shifts to the present state of the marital relationship and its viability.
The adoption of no-fault divorce grounds represents a significant shift in divorce law. It reduces acrimony and conflict during proceedings by removing the adversarial process of assigning blame. This can lead to quicker and less expensive resolutions, benefiting all parties involved, especially children. Historically, divorces required proving fault, which often resulted in fabricated or exaggerated claims, prolonging the legal battle and increasing emotional distress.
