In Iowa, dissolution of marriage proceedings can occur without either party needing to prove fault or misconduct on the part of the other. The grounds for dissolution are that there has been a breakdown of the marriage relationship to the extent that the legitimate objects of matrimony have been destroyed and there remains no reasonable likelihood that the marriage can be preserved. This means a divorce can be granted simply because the marriage is irretrievably broken, regardless of who is deemed responsible for its failure.
This approach offers several benefits. It can reduce the animosity and conflict often associated with divorce proceedings by eliminating the need to assign blame. This allows parties to focus on resolving practical issues such as property division, child custody, and support. Historically, requiring proof of fault often led to lengthy and expensive court battles, potentially exacerbating emotional distress for all involved, especially children. Streamlining the process can result in a quicker and less emotionally damaging resolution.
