Stardate 20010718.1823 (On Screen): Non-Americans may not realize how varied the US states are, and may not realize why it is that most of the US holds the states of Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas and Mississippi in such contempt. Perhaps this story will help. In most of the US, you can get a divorce simply by saying you want one; you don't have to justify it, you merely have to file with a court. The main reason a court will get involved is to make sure that division of property is equitable, that there will be payment of alimony if appropriate, and in particular to make sure that any children of the marriage are cared for properly. The court does not usually question the decision to terminate the marriage. But not in Mississippi; there you have to show significant grounds for dissolution of a marriage. It's just one of many reasons why the "Deep South" is the armpit of the US.
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