What are the grounds for divorce?

Today, there are no real grounds for divorce because almost all states have what is called a “no-fault” divorce law that allows you to file for divorce even if your spouse would prefer to stay married. In the past, you had to have grounds (also called “cause of action”) to file and be granted a divorce. Those grounds were generally adultery (cheating), cruelty, desertion, impotence, criminal conviction and/or imprisonment, addiction, mental or physical abuse, or diagnosed mental illness.