South Carolina lawmakers are considering legislation that would expand the legal reasons someone can seek a divorce.
The bill which was approved Thursday by a House subcommittee adds the use of illegal or illicit drugs as well as willful mistreatment that could destroy the mental or physical well-being, happiness and welfare of a spouse and make living together unsafe or intolerable.
Under current law, grounds for divorce in South Carolina include adultery, one year of continuous separation or desertion, habitual drunkenness or narcotic use and physical cruelty.
Rep. Mandy Powers Norrell said her bill recognizes that physical and mental cruelty is another grounds for divorce and would allow people to file to leave a spouse within a shorter period of time.
The bill now heads to the House Judiciary Committee.
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