There is a view among most legal experts that one primary value of no-fault divorce is that it provides couples the most efficient, least stressful and cost effective avenue for obtaining a divorce. The key in no-fault divorce in Pennsylvania is in the parties agreeing ahead of time on issues such as child support, when necessary, and property division.

That level of pre-agreement may be hard to come by in some instances. But in instances when couples have been living in torment for years for whatever reason, coming to terms through an uncontested, no-fault divorce may not only be the most positive way to end their emotional suffering; it could also be the best way to make it happen without a lot of public and private upheaval.

That's the view supported in a situation brought out in a recent "Ask Amy" advice column in the Chicago Tribune. The letter comes from a man who plans to end a 25-year sham of a marriage and seeks advice on how to break the news to co-workers and, more importantly, his two college-aged children.

He offers that he and his wife have been putting on an act for the rest of the world, including their children. He says they opted for this situation following counseling early in their marriage after his wife had had an affair. Two years ago she had another, but he held off on a divorce then because of family and health reasons. Now he says he's ready, but he fears if he tells his children the truth as to why, he'll hurt them and alienate them.

The columnist holds out the possibility of pursuing a no-fault divorce. She notes that while there is clearly fault at issue in this case, telling the world doesn't do anyone any good. She says it might be better for the couple to take and hold the position that the divorce is a private decision. If and when an explanation is required, both parties could agree to simply say, "We feel it's best for both of us if we split."

Crucially, though, she advises that the children be reassured throughout that they are loved unconditionally and always by both parents.

Source: Chicago Tribune, "Dad's dilemma is with divorce and disclosure," Feb. 3, 2012