New York marriage laws regarding divorce are designed to provide fair and equitable solutions for both parties involved. In New York, divorce can be granted based on fault or no-fault grounds. The no-fault ground, introduced in 2010, allows for a divorce based on "irreconcilable differences," meaning the marriage has irretrievably broken down for at least six months. This has become a popular option for many couples, as it eliminates the need to prove wrongdoing or fault by either spouse.
Alternatively, fault-based grounds for divorce in New York include cruelty, abandonment, adultery, and imprisonment. A spouse seeking a fault-based divorce must provide evidence of the grounds and demonstrate that the marriage has been negatively affected by the other party’s actions.