What are three recognized ways to prove the breakdown of a marriage?

The correct answer identifies three legally recognized grounds for proving the breakdown of a marriage: separation for a year, adultery, and mental or physical cruelty.

Separation for a year provides a clear indication that the parties have lived apart long enough to establish irreconcilable differences. This period allows the court to ascertain that reconciliation is unlikely, serving as a practical basis for ending the marriage.

Adultery is another ground that denotes a breach of marital trust and commitment. It is a serious violation that undermines the foundation of a marriage, allowing for its legal dissolution based on the actions of one partner.

Mental or physical cruelty involves treatment that is harmful and intolerable, affecting the well-being of one spouse. Such cruelty could be emotional abuse, threats, or physical violence, which validates the need for separation and provides grounds for divorce.

The other options do not encompass the full legal scope needed to demonstrate the breakdown of a marriage effectively. For instance, financial disputes or ongoing arguments may contribute to marital strife but do not typically meet the necessary legal standards for divorce. Additionally, counseling and relocation, while relevant to marriage management, do not inherently reflect the breakdown of the marriage itself.