Marital misconduct

Marital misconduct is a legal term, which applies to married people. If one of them behaves in a way that is bad for the marriage, this is seen as marital misconduct.

Common examples of marital misconduct are:

• Having sex with other people, without the partner knowing and agreeing; this is usually called adultery.
• Becoming addicted to drugs or alcohol
• Being violent towards the partner or family, usually called domestic violence

Such behaviors are often seen as a reason to get a divorce, which will end the marriage.