British divorce process will be slower

Press, 27 September 1983, Page 12

British divorce process will be slower

NZPA London Ten-minute divorces will be a thing of the past in England within a year as a result of a big shake-up of matrimonial laws recommended by a panel of judges headed by Lord Hailsham, the Lord Chancellor.

The matrimonial laws that were introduced 10 years ago will be reconstructed to protect children of broken marriages, and not necessarily make divorce more difficult, according to a report in the “Daily Mail.” Judges will seek to settle problems involved in divorce quickly within the courts, cutting out the legal wrangles between partners that can drag on. The changes, expected to be accepted by the Government in almost every detail and to become law within a year, are:

® The end of quick 10minute divorces and rubberstamped postal divorces. 9 More time given to the welfare of children. ® Welfare officers to be appointed by courts for the first time to help couples reach satisfactory settlements, especially over the children.

© A three-year deadline on financial and property claims.

The committee said it set out to reduce “conflict, bitterness and costs.”

Under present laws, introduced in 1973, couples can usually obtain swift decrees once both agree to separate. Then come the legal battles over property, financial settlements and the children.

Now, under the new proposals, any divorce will have to go initially before a judge where areas of agreement will first have to be sorted out

The court will make orders at the initial hearing with both parties present. Disagreements will be referred to court welfare officers who, with the help of the parties’ legal advisers, will try to find common ground. The final solution must be approved by a judge, particularly arrangements for the children.

The Marriage Guidance Council has welcomed the new proposals. According to the latest figures, one British marriage in three fails. Divorces are running at 150,000 a year after doubling over the past 15 years.