Is divorce ever acceptable?

[jennaanne98]

What does the catholic church say about divorce? I know its not okay, but what if the husband or wife is abusive mentally and physically to the spouse? I would think it would be okay to get a divorce in this type of situation, but I’ve heard otherwise?

 

[Fr.Charles_Grondin]

Yes, separation/divorce is acceptable in cases of abuse:

Code of Canon Law:

Can. 1153 §1. If either of the spouses causes grave mental or physical danger to the other spouse or to the offspring or otherwise renders common life too difficult, that spouse gives the other a legitimate cause for leaving, either by decree of the local ordinary or even on his or her own authority if there is danger in delay.

Catechism:

**2383 **The separation of spouses while maintaining the marriage bond can be legitimate in certain cases provided for by canon law.

If civil divorce remains the only possible way of ensuring certain legal rights, the care of the children, or the protection of inheritance, it can be tolerated and does not constitute a moral offense.