Yes, you can divorce someone with schizophrenia. Mental illness, including schizophrenia, is not a legal barrier to divorce in most jurisdictions, such as the United States, Canada, the UK, and Australia. Divorce laws focus on grounds like irretrievable breakdown, incompatibility, or fault-based reasons (e.g., adultery or cruelty), not the presence of a diagnosable condition. Courts treat schizophrenia as a health issue, not an automatic disqualifier.

However, schizophrenia can complicate proceedings. If the spouse lacks mental capacity meaning they cannot understand the divorce process or make informed decisions courts may appoint a guardian ad litem or legal representative to protect their interests. This ensures fairness but can delay timelines and increase costs. In no-fault divorces (available in all 50 U.S. states), you don't need to prove wrongdoing; simply stating the marriage is irreparably broken suffices.

Key considerations include:

• Spousal Support/Alimony: A schizophrenia diagnosis may influence awards if it impairs the spouse's ability to work or support themselves. Courts assess earning capacity, treatment needs, and medication costs.
• Child Custody: If children are involved, the parent's mental health is evaluated for stability and parenting ability. Well-managed schizophrenia (e.g., with medication and therapy) often allows shared custody; untreated symptoms like delusions or hallucinations could restrict visitation, prioritizing child safety.
• Property Division: Equitable distribution applies normally, but ongoing medical expenses might factor into settlements.

Evidence from family law experts (e.g., American Bar Association guidelines) shows mental illness alone rarely blocks divorce. For instance, in cases like In re Marriage of Green (California, 2010), courts upheld divorces despite severe mental health issues, emphasizing procedural safeguards.

Consult a family law attorney early for jurisdiction-specific rules. Resources like NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) offer support for navigating stigma and logistics. Divorce is possible and often healthier for both parties when the marriage is unsustainable.