Missouri law permits dissolution of marriage based on grounds other than misconduct. A marriage can be legally ended if it is irretrievably broken, meaning there is no reasonable prospect of reconciliation. This differs from systems requiring proof of fault, such as adultery or abuse, to obtain a divorce.
The availability of divorce on the basis of irretrievable breakdown simplifies the process for couples seeking to end their marriage. It reduces the adversarial nature often associated with fault-based proceedings, potentially minimizing conflict and emotional distress for all parties involved, including children. This approach also reflects a modern understanding of marital breakdown, acknowledging that incompatibility and irreconcilable differences can be valid reasons for ending a marriage.