Five Grounds for Divorce

North Carolina law recognizes that no two divorces are alike. While most divorces have similarities, there are no cookie-cutter divorces. Each type of divorce has different grounds and requirements. When you hire an experienced North Carolina divorce attorney, you can be assured that you are seeking the right divorce for you and utilizing the right legal solutions.

North Carolina’s Two Types of Divorce

North Carolina recognizes two different types of divorce; absolute divorce and divorce from bed and board. An absolute divorce is the final end to a marriage that ends with a divorce decree. Matters of child custody, asset division, and spousal support will be addressed in these divorces. In an absolute divorce, there are only two options for grounds for divorce; incurable insanity and separation for one year.

On the other hand, divorce from bed and board isn’t an official divorce. It’s actually a legal separation. It typically involves the same types of matters as an official divorce. However, there are five grounds for divorce from bed and board.

Five Grounds for Divorce from Bed and Board

Abandonment, Desertion, or Turning Out

This ground for divorce from bed and board applies when one spouse:

• Abandons the family
• “Turns the other spouse out of doors”
• Leaves suddenly without justification or the consent of the other spouse

Cruel or Barbarous Treatment

How one spouse treats another can give rise to this grounds for divorce from bed and board. If one spouse behaves in a manner that endangers the life or the physical well-being of the other spouse, they may use this ground. It typically involves physical violence, but not always.

Indignities

This is a “catch-all” ground for divorce. An indignity is typically an action that renders a spouse’s condition intolerable and burdensome. Acts such as the following can be considered an indignity:

• Humiliation
• Persistent verbal abuse
• Recurring false accusations of adultery

Drug Abuse

Sometimes a spouse excessively uses drugs or alcohol, so much so that it renders the sober spouse’s living conditions intolerable. In these cases, a divorce from bed and board is appropriate on such a ground.

Adultery

If one spouse can adequately prove that the other committed adultery, they can ask for a divorce from bed and board on the grounds of adultery. A skilled North Carolina divorce lawyer can often help establish this fact.

Do You Have Questions about Grounds for Divorce? Contact a Seasoned North Carolina Divorce Attorney Today

No matter if you are seeking a traditional divorce or a divorce from bed and board, our North Carolina divorce lawyers know how stressful this time of life is. We are here to help you understand all of your options and choose the best ones for you and your family. When you meet with us, we make it our mission to understand your goals in your divorce and to fight for your rights. Our family law attorneys treat you like an individual, knowing that each divorce is different.

It doesn’t matter where you live or work; we have many office locations in North Carolina to assist you during this difficult time. We can even meet with you at other convenient locations if necessary. Call the King Law Firm today at (800) 635-1683 to schedule your complimentary consultation or use our confidential online contact form. We are available 24/7 to speak with you.