MODERNISED LAW

Franklin Times, Volume XXII, Issue 58, 20 May 1932, Page 3 (Supplement)

MODERNISED LAW

EASIER DIVORCE IN SPAIN.

SWEEPING CHANGES IN NEW LAW.

Spain, which has hitherto been one of the last strongholds of the inviolability of the marriage vow, has now come into line with other nations. From now onwards Spaniards will be able to obtain a divorce with considerably less trouble than is the case i» most countries.

An outstanding feature of the law is that it provides "for divorce by mutual consent. In this case the husband and wife must, make their declaration, both in company and separately. They must repeat their'declaration .six months afterwards, and * again after a further lapse of six month§. If they still agree to differ at the end of the twelve months, a divorce will be granted. In general, the children will be i» the care of the innocent party, although considerable latitude is left to the judges in this matter. Women will not find divorce a paying proposition, for they may only obtain "sufficient means for their subsistence." where they are not able to maintain themselves. This measure cuts both ways. If the innocent party is the man, and he is without means of support, he may demand help from his former wife.

As a check on quarrelsome couples, no further application for divorce on the grounds of incompatibility of temperament may be made for two years in cases where an application is mad© and followed by a reconciliation.