Abandonment is an easier “ground” to prove since it is clearly defined in the statute. Only one “ground” is necessary, and if both of you are in agreement as to the “grounds,” the court will not bother to challenge it. However, there are many other matters ( e.g., child custody, child support, maintenance, division of marital assets, etc.) that require legal counsel to deal with these issues properly. If you are located in the NYC metro area, I strongly urge you to call me at 212-370-1660 to discuss mediating your divorce. Your decisions will have ramifications for, and will significantly impact the rest of your life. Divorce is too serious a matter to leave to “self-help”! Leonard M. Weiner, Esq. / Divorce Solutions