Simpler divorce mooted

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33654, 2 October 1974, Page 2

Simpler divorce mooted

>X.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, October 1. A method of simplifying divorce proceedings might be studied by the Government, said the Minister of Justice (Dr Finlay) in Parliament i today. I Speaking during the second reading debate on the ; Legal Aid Amendment Bill, he said that under a system iin Australia, one ground for divorce was enough — that of living apart for a year or more. Dr Finlay said the court then could presume — and that presumption could be challenged by the defence — that the marriage had broken down irretrievably. “I would appreciate comment both in the House and from the public whether such a change would be desirable,” he said. EXTENSION Dr Finlay was replying to Mr P. I. Wilkinson (Nat, Rodney) who had said that the most important aspect not covered by the bill was divorce — a matter in which parties were bound by law to go to court. "Legal aid is already provided in other ancillary domestic proceedings,’* Mr Wilkinson said. He said the Minister had said he would consider extending legal aid to divorce proceedings once they had been simplified. Mr Wilkinson also spoke of a “lack of awareness” about the legal aid scheme, which is available to most people who qualify for a means-test benefit. This applied particularly among Polynesians, he said. OTHER ASPECTS Dr Finlay replied that a Government which made social services available had a duty to inform the public about them. He also agreed there was a need for legal aid outside the aspects already covered, particularly for one-man companies, and for people who wanted to see a lawyer for advice rather than for legal representation.