Define: Mental Cruelty

Mental cruelty is a legal concept that refers to behavior or actions that cause significant emotional or psychological harm to another person, often within the context of interpersonal relationships, such as marriage. It involves conduct that is calculated to cause distress, humiliation, or suffering, but may not necessarily involve physical harm. Mental cruelty can take various forms, including verbal abuse, manipulation, threats, neglect, or controlling behavior, and can have serious and long-lasting effects on the victim’s mental health and well-being. In legal proceedings, mental cruelty may be grounds for divorce or other forms of legal redress, particularly in jurisdictions that recognise it as a basis for ending a marriage or seeking protection from abusive relationships. Courts may consider evidence of mental cruelty when determining issues such as custody, support, or division of assets in divorce or family law cases.

This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

This glossary post was last updated: 29th March, 2024.