A judicial divorce is the formal termination of a marriage by a court. This process occurs after the court conducts an inquiry to determine if there has been a breach of the marriage contract. Unlike a legislative divorce, which may be granted through legislative action, a judicial divorce is specifically issued by a court following legal proceedings.
Judicial divorce is primarily relevant in family law, where it serves as a legal mechanism for ending a marriage. It involves various procedures, including filing petitions, attending hearings, and possibly mediation. Individuals can often manage these procedures using legal templates and forms, such as those offered by US Legal Forms, which are designed to simplify the process.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A couple decides to file for a judicial divorce after years of separation. They present evidence of irreconcilable differences to the court, which conducts a hearing to evaluate their claims before granting the divorce.
Example 2: A partner claims that the other has violated the terms of their marriage contract by engaging in infidelity. The court reviews the evidence and determines whether a judicial divorce is warranted. (hypothetical example)
| State | Judicial Divorce Grounds |
|---|---|
| California | Irreconcilable differences are the primary grounds. |
| New York | Allows for both no-fault and fault-based grounds. |
| Texas | Includes grounds such as adultery and abandonment. |
This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Judicial Divorce | A divorce granted by a court after legal proceedings. |
| Legislative Divorce | A divorce granted through legislative action, not court proceedings. |
| Annulment | A legal procedure that declares a marriage null and void, as if it never occurred. |
If you are considering a judicial divorce, start by gathering necessary documents and understanding your grounds for divorce. You can explore US Legal Forms for templates that can help you file your petition. If your situation is complex, it may be wise to consult a legal professional for personalized advice.
Browse our library of 85,000+ state-specific legal templates.
A judicial divorce is granted by a court, while a legislative divorce is granted through legislative action.