Wisconsin operates under a system where marital dissolution does not require proof of fault or wrongdoing by either party. This means a divorce can be granted based solely on the assertion that the marriage is irretrievably broken. No evidence of adultery, abuse, or abandonment needs to be presented to the court to initiate or finalize the proceedings. The focus is on the breakdown of the relationship rather than assigning blame.
This approach streamlines the divorce process, reducing potential conflict and animosity between divorcing spouses. It can lead to a more efficient and less emotionally draining legal process, saving time and resources. Historically, divorce laws often required establishing fault, which could prolong the proceedings and exacerbate tensions. The current framework acknowledges that relationships can end without one party necessarily being at fault.