Desertion in marriage law

Desertion implies leaving one's spouse against the latter's will and without a legally justifiable cause, or the act of expelling a spouse from the marital home or conduct towards this end (constructive desertion). The laws of certain countries provide that a husband who has deserted his wife and children must support them. Desertion constitutes a ground for divorce.

Desertion, the 'poor man's divorce', does not show up in statistics, especially if the man or woman cannot be traced.