DIVORCE

Divorce is the legal dissolution of a marriage by a court or other competent authority, terminating the marital status and the corresponding rights and obligations of spouses. The exact process and consequences vary by jurisdiction, but most systems distinguish civil divorce from religious annulment or dissolution that may occur within a faith tradition.

Most contemporary jurisdictions recognize no-fault divorce, allowing a party to end the marriage without proving wrongdoing by the other. Some places still allow fault-based grounds, such as adultery or abandonment. A typical civil process involves filing a petition, service of process, a waiting period, negotiation or mediation, and a final decree or judgment.

Division of property is governed by local law, with approaches including community property or equitable distribution. Spousal support or alimony may be awarded based on earnings, duration of marriage, and needs. For children, custody arrangements and child support are determined in the best interests of the child, often via parenting plans and standardized guidelines.

Divorce can take various forms: uncontested or mutual consent, mediation, collaborative law, or adversarial litigation. Outcomes can affect finances, living arrangements, and social or family relationships. Rates and patterns vary by age, education, and socioeconomic status, and post-divorce modifications to arrangements may be available.