I would imagine that court could dismiss a divorce case for a number of reasons. In fact, I know that it can. For example
- If the court does not have jurisdiction based on the residency requirement of the parties, it would have to dismiss the case on jurisdictional grounds.
- If the petitioner changes his or her mind and no longer wants a divorce, the court would have to dismiss after the petitioner files a motion for dismissal.
- If the grounds for divorce have not been proven after a trial.
- If the petitioner fails to properly serve the respondent in the allotted time frame in that jurisdiction
- Even if service is achieved within the timeframe required, if service is “defective” the court would dismiss. (example no affidavit of service.)
- If the divorce case becomes cold. That is, it remains inactive over a period of time.
- If the parties’ marriage had been void for some reason and the court become aware of it; or if the marriage had been annulled.
This list is hardly exhaustive.