Cruel and Inhuman Treatment


Definition of Cruel and Inhuman Treatment

Cruel and inhuman treatment, in the context of divorce laws, refers to mental or physical cruelty inflicted on one spouse by another. To be granted a divorce on the grounds of cruel and inhuman treatment, the divorce-seeking spouse must prove that it is unsafe to share a residence with the spouse due to past or ongoing behavior.



Cruel and Inhuman Treatment Explained

Although many cases of divorce originate from irreconcilable differences, some cases are filed due to acts of physical or mental violence and abuse. This is also known as cruel and inhuman treatment. This is an accepted ground for divorce in all jurisdictions that allow fault divorce. The acts that constitute cruel and inhuman treatment include assault, physical violence, intimidation, public adultery, violence towards children, forced sex, etc.