In Texas, the dissolution of marriage can occur under specific grounds that attribute blame to one spouse for the marital breakdown. This contrasts with no-fault divorce, where the marital relationship is deemed irreparably broken without assigning blame. Examples of these grounds include adultery, abandonment, cruelty, and felony conviction.
The inclusion of these specific grounds allows a party to potentially recover a disproportionate share of the marital estate. Establishing such grounds requires presenting clear and convincing evidence to the court. Historically, these grounds provided a means for parties who were wronged during the marriage to seek redress beyond a simple division of assets.