Legal Concepts · July 10, 2026 · The SimplyDivorceOnline Team
What Is a No-Fault Divorce?
No-fault divorce lets you end a marriage without blaming anyone. Here's what it means and why nearly everyone uses it.
A no-fault divorce is exactly what it sounds like: you end the marriage without having to prove that either spouse did something wrong. Every U.S. state allows it, and it's the default choice for most couples.
How it works
Instead of accusing your spouse of misconduct, you simply tell the court the marriage is broken, using language like 'irreconcilable differences' or 'irretrievable breakdown.' That statement is enough; you don't need evidence or a reason beyond it.
Why it matters
No-fault removed the old requirement to air a marriage's dirty laundry in court. It's faster, less expensive, and far less combative. Just as importantly, one spouse can't trap the other in a marriage by refusing to admit fault, wanting the divorce is sufficient.
Fault grounds still exist (but you rarely need them)
Some states still let you file on fault grounds like adultery, and in a few places that can affect property or support. But proving fault makes everything slower and nastier, which is why the vast majority of people choose no-fault.
For an amicable, uncontested divorce, no-fault is almost always the simplest and calmest path.