What is the primary ground for divorce in California?

In California, the primary ground for divorce is irreconcilable differences. This legal standard allows either spouse to file for divorce without having to prove fault or specific reasons for the breakdown of the marriage. Irreconcilable differences imply that the couple has fundamental disagreements or incompatibilities that make it impossible for them to continue living together as a married couple.

This approach aligns with California's no-fault divorce system, which emphasizes that marriage can end without assigning blame to either partner for the demise of the relationship. As a result, the process is typically less confrontational and allows for a more streamlined resolution.

While mutual consent, financial incompatibility, and separation for more than one year are factors that can influence a divorce, they are not the primary legal grounds for initiating the divorce process in California. Mutual consent may play a role in the decision to file, but it does not constitute a legal requirement. Financial incompatibility can also lead to the decision to divorce, but it is not recognized as a legal ground. Lastly, the duration of separation may be relevant in different contexts but does not serve as the primary ground for divorce in California law.