What is a Ground for Divorce? The "ground for the divorce" is best understood as the "reason for the divorce". Every divorce that is filed must have a ground (or reason) that is permitted by the court according to state divorce laws and statutes. Many grounds are similar from state-to-state and are classified as either fault or no-fault. A "fault ground" is when one spouse is accused of a wrongful marital act which has caused the breakdown of the marriage. A "no-fault" ground is when neither spouse is accusing the other of any wrong doing, an often agreed that their relationship is one that no longer constitutes a marriage.