What Are the Legal Grounds for Divorce in New York? A 2025 Guide
In New York, couples seeking a divorce must base their case on one of seven legally accepted grounds. These grounds provide the legal foundation necessary to dissolve a marriage, whether through fault or no-fault reasons, helping individuals move forward with clarity and protection. The Seven Grounds Explained Irretrievable Breakdown (No-Fault Divorce) This is the most common ground and allows couples to end their marriage without placing blame. It applies when the marriage has completely broken down for at least six months, signaling that the relationship cannot be repaired. Cruel and Inhuman Treatment This ground involves behavior that endangers a spouse’s physical or mental well-being. It covers abuse, whether physical or emotional, that makes continuing the marriage unsafe or intolerable. Abandonment Abandonment occurs when one spouse leaves the marital home without the intention to return for a continuous period of at least one year. This can also includ...