Fault Divorce
A divorce based on specific marital misconduct such as adultery, cruelty, abandonment, or substance abuse.
Example
She filed for fault divorce alleging adultery and seeking a larger property share.
Canadian Equivalent
In Canada, this is referred to as Adultery or Cruelty (grounds under s.8(2)(b) Divorce Act, rarely used since separation is simpler).
Jurisdiction Variations
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California is a pure no-fault state — fault grounds are not permitted
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Colorado is a pure no-fault state
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Washington is a pure no-fault state
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Oregon is a pure no-fault state
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Wisconsin is a pure no-fault state
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Nebraska is a pure no-fault state
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Montana is a pure no-fault state
Cruel and Inhuman Treatment / Abandonment / Adultery / Imprisonment
New York retains fault grounds alongside no-fault
Adultery / Cruelty / Desertion / Felony Conviction
Virginia retains fault grounds that can affect spousal support