California operates under a no-fault divorce system. This means that a person seeking to dissolve a marriage does not need to prove that their spouse did something wrong, such as adultery or abuse. The legal grounds for divorce in California are irreconcilable differences, which simply means the marriage has broken down irretrievably, and/or permanent legal incapacity to make decisions.
The implementation of a no-fault divorce system simplifies the process of ending a marriage. It reduces acrimony and the need for spouses to publicly air grievances in court. Historically, proving fault was often required to obtain a divorce, which could be a lengthy, expensive, and emotionally draining process. The shift to no-fault aims to minimize conflict and focus on equitable distribution of assets and child custody arrangements.