Government planning changes to make divorce easier

 Zoriana Stakhniv/Unsplash

The Government is about to embark on a consultation to shake-up the country's divorce laws, Buzzfeed News reports. 

In the first major changes to divorce laws in half a century, couples in England and Wales would be able to seek a no-fault divorce.

Plans being drawn up by the Government would also remove the right of either spouse to contest the breakdown of the marriage.

Under current laws, couples in England and Wales who want to divorce must be able to demonstrate that there has been one of the following: adultery, unreasonable behavior, desertion, they have lived apart for more than two years and both consent to the divorce; or have lived apart for at least five years, even if one spouse disagrees with the separation.

Justice Secretary David Gauke, who is set to launch a consultation on the proposals, said the current system created 'unnecessary antagonism' for couples. 

Buzzfeed News reports that the consultation will also consider the length of time it takes for a divorce to be processed, with a timeframe of at least six months on the table.

The consultation comes on the heels of a controversial Supreme Court ruling this summer against a woman from Worcestershire who wanted to divorce her husband of 40 years against his will.

Tini Owens, 68, wanted to divorce her husband on the grounds that she was unhappy in the marriage, but the Supreme Court ruled that she must remain married to her husband, Hugh, until 2020. 

The Christian Institute is among those cautioning against any changes to the law to make divorce easier. It instead argues that the law should support reconciliation.

'Given the devastating effects of divorce on adults, children and society, even those who do not hold to a Christian view of divorce should be opposed to measures which make divorce even easier,' it said.

'The statistics clearly show that every time the law on divorce has been liberalised, the number of divorces has increased.'

News
The story of New Year’s resolutions
The story of New Year’s resolutions

1 January is when people traditionally start the new year with a fresh resolution. This is the story …

Young people more grateful to God, study finds
Young people more grateful to God, study finds

A new survey has suggested that 18 to 34 year olds are more likely to believe in God and have transcendental experiences.

Nigerian government accused of being in denial about persecution of Christians
Nigerian government accused of being in denial about persecution of Christians

How can thousands of slain Christians not be persecution?

Turkey arrested 115 suspected ISIS members, thwarting Christmas and New Year plots against non-Muslims
Turkey arrested 115 suspected ISIS members, thwarting Christmas and New Year plots against non-Muslims

Turkey has been relatively successful in preventing attacks since 2017.