Gov. David Paterson today signed a series of bills into law that will make no-fault divorce a reality for New York residents.

Previously, parties seeking to end their marriages in New York State were required to meet one of four legal grounds for divorce, or endure a year-long separation process before filing for such action.

The new no-fault law allows for a marriage to be dissolved based on one party’s testimony that the marriage has been broken down for at least six months, without being required to prove cruelty, imprisonment, adultery or abandonment.

Proponents of the legislation have argued that removing the burden of proving one party’s “fault” would help prevent painful, drawn-out battles over alimony, child support and division of property.

New York is the 50th state to enact such legislation.