Florida operates under a dissolution of marriage system that does not require proof of fault to legally end a marriage. This means that neither party is required to demonstrate wrongdoing by the other, such as adultery, abuse, or abandonment, in order to obtain a divorce. A marriage can be dissolved if one party asserts that the marriage is irretrievably broken, or that one party is mentally incapacitated.
This system simplifies the divorce process, often reducing conflict and acrimony between divorcing parties. By eliminating the need to prove fault, legal proceedings can focus on more practical matters like asset division, child custody, and support. Historically, requiring proof of fault could significantly lengthen and complicate divorce proceedings, increasing emotional and financial strain on all parties involved. This method aims to provide a more streamlined and less adversarial pathway to dissolving a marriage.