When we think about the traditional reasons for divorce, our minds naturally turn to adultery, serious mental health illness, domestic violence, emotional abuse, or simply growing apart.
Lesser known reasons exist, however, such as the incarceration of a spouse. Additional causes can include:
- Desertion
- Constructive desertion
- Cruelty of treatment
- Separation of a certain amount of time
Additionally, you may know what your spouse has done – or failed to do, but are uncertain which category of divorce such behavior falls under.
For example, in India, a wife recently was granted a divorce from her husband because he refused to have an indoor toilet. Yes, it is a real case.
In Maryland, a similar case could support a divorce on the grounds of “cruelty of treatment” or “constructive desertion.”
So, what are the grounds for obtaining a divorce when your spouse has a major mental illness? That depends upon the behavior of that spouse as a result of the mental illness, of course. Reasons for divorce could include desertion, constructive desertion, cruelty of treatment, and even adultery, if those behaviors are present.
Here’s the point: we often learn about family law from movies and television shows. They are invariably inaccurate or, at least, misleading.
If you believe you have grounds for divorce based on certain behavior by your spouse, seek the counsel of a highly experienced divorce attorney. A free consultation will provide you with a thorough education, as well as possible options for moving forward.
Don’t worry if your situation does not appear to be “typical grounds” for divorce. That is your divorce attorney’s job.