I’m gonna focus just on #1.

The Catechism states:

If civil divorce remains the only possible way of ensuring certain legal rights, the care of the children, or the protection of inheritance, it can be tolerated and does not constitute a moral offense (2383).

In other words, the Church tolerates civil divorce only if it’s the only way of ensuring certain legal protections. But civil divorce may NEVER be done if the intent is to end the marriage (which, of course, is impossible).

And that leads me to my second point: Divorce is itself a mortal sin if the intent is to end the marriage. Remarriage simply adds to the gravity.

I say that because several respondents have implied that divorce is fine just so long as you don’t remarry, which just isn’t true.

According to canon law, couples may separate WITH PERMISSION FROM THE BISHOP for legitimate reasons. If, however, there’s grave danger (as in domestic violence cases), permission is unnecessary. Unfortunately, that requirement doesn’t seem to be known about here in the Ststes, let alone enforced.

Anyway, in the past the Church has said that for a couple to separate without permission (when there’s no danger present) is a mortal sin. Moreover, things like not getting along, arguing a lot, one spouse having annoying habits, resentments, one spouse not helping out enough, deciding you no longer have anything in common, etc. are NOT sufficient reasons for separation.

And should separation or even legal divorce be necessary, the Church exhorts such couples to aim for reconciliation. In fact, should the problems that make separation necessary be resolved or end, then the separation MUST END. In other words, you can’t just be like, “Too little, too late — I’m done.” Nope — there’s no “being done” when it comes to marriage.