Boca Raton Divorce Lawyer

The Two Types of Divorce

That a divorce is the dissolution of a marriage is common knowledge. Everyone knows what a divorce is; half of all marriages in the United States end in a divorce. Comparatively fewer people, however, know the two major types of divorces in the United States. The categories are absolute divorce (divorce a vinculo matrimonii) and limited divorce (divorce a menso et thoro).

One major category of divorce is the limited divorce. Limited divorces terminate a couple’s right to cohabitate, that is, to live together. Legally, however, couples stay married but have to live separately. That is why limited divorces are known as separation decrees. Some states have laws for conversion divorces, through which limited divorces can become absolute divorces.

Absolute divorces are the complete judicial termination a marriage. Spouses who are absolutely divorced are officially classified as single, not as married. Traditionally, absolute divorces require proof of marital wrongdoing, like adultery or abuse.

Aside from absolute and limited divorces, there are also no-fault divorces. No-fault divorces refer to the reason for the divorce rather than to the extent of the divorce. No-fault divorces have been created because notions of marital wrongdoing (in an absolute divorce) are outdated with today’s norms. For a no-fault divorce to take place, a couple must show that

• Their marriage is completely broken
• The marriage cannot be saved
• The spouses have differences that can be mediated between
• The marriage no longer performs the tasks that marriages are supposed to perform

Speak with a Boca Raton Family Lawyer

As the above discussion makes clear, divorces are as much a legal process as they are a social one. That is why attorneys can help expedite the divorce process. If you seem headed towards a divorce, contact the Boca Raton divorce lawyer of Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A. by calling 561-353-2800.