If the filing spouse expects the divorce to be contentious, citing fault-based grounds for dissolution may help them achieve a more favorable judgment concerning asset distribution. For example, if one party committed adultery, the judge may decide to award a larger share of assets being given to the faithful spouse.
These reasons could also affect a child custody ruling. If the petitioning spouse cited alcoholism as the reason for divorce, the other party may not be granted custody of shared children. A lawyer in the area can help spouses demonstrate who is responsible for the divorce to obtain a fair judgment.