Anyone dealt with a 'divorce from bed and board' before?

Hey all, I’m from NC and just got served by my spouse with something called a ‘divorce from bed and board.’ Apparently, it’s not a full divorce but more like a forced separation? I’m not sure what to do to fight it in court. Any advice on what judges look for with this type of thing?

Yep, been there. It’s a fault-based separation, so they’ll have to prove something like abandonment or cruelty. Why’s your spouse doing this?

Paige said:
Yep, been there. It’s a fault-based separation, so they’ll have to prove something like abandonment or cruelty. Why’s your spouse doing this?

Honestly, he wants a separation, and this is his way of trying to get it without me agreeing. But I haven’t done anything crazy or harmful, so not sure what he’ll use as grounds.

Paige said:
Yep, been there. It’s a fault-based separation, so they’ll have to prove something like abandonment or cruelty. Why’s your spouse doing this?

Yeah, without proof of actual harm or something major, it sounds like you have a decent shot at challenging it.

They’ll need specific evidence, like showing you’re a danger or something. Otherwise, it can be tough for them to get this type of separation.

Zyler said:
They’ll need specific evidence, like showing you’re a danger or something. Otherwise, it can be tough for them to get this type of separation.

Exactly! I’m an MRI tech and work hard; there’s nothing dangerous about me. I’m honestly surprised they’re even trying.

Zyler said:
They’ll need specific evidence, like showing you’re a danger or something. Otherwise, it can be tough for them to get this type of separation.

Lol yeah, that doesn’t sound like grounds for a forced separation. Maybe they’re trying to make you look bad without much proof?

What’s a ‘divorce from bed and board’? Never heard of it.

Zinn said:
What’s a ‘divorce from bed and board’? Never heard of it.

It’s like a legal separation, but without the right to remarry. They’d still be technically married, but not living together.

Zinn said:
What’s a ‘divorce from bed and board’? Never heard of it.

Weird… so they’re married but separated legally? Sounds confusing lol.

If he’s being verbally or physically abusive, you might be able to counterclaim. Judges look at both sides, especially in these fault-based cases.

Valentina said:
If he’s being verbally or physically abusive, you might be able to counterclaim. Judges look at both sides, especially in these fault-based cases.

Actually, he has been aggressive, especially when he drinks. Do you think I could bring that up?

Valentina said:
If he’s being verbally or physically abusive, you might be able to counterclaim. Judges look at both sides, especially in these fault-based cases.

Absolutely. If he’s been pushing you around, that could actually work in your favor to block his claim.

Judges will sometimes grant this if they think one person’s life is being made miserable. So if he says ‘indignities’ or something broad like that, just be prepared.

Tavi said:
Judges will sometimes grant this if they think one person’s life is being made miserable. So if he says ‘indignities’ or something broad like that, just be prepared.

Oh, interesting. ‘Indignities’ sounds super vague. What does that even cover?

Tavi said:
Judges will sometimes grant this if they think one person’s life is being made miserable. So if he says ‘indignities’ or something broad like that, just be prepared.

Basically, anything that makes life unbearable. Could be constant harassment, neglect, even petty stuff that adds up.