DIVORCE FACILITIES

Grey River Argus, 21 February 1947, Page 2

DIVORCE FACILITIES

N.Z. WAR-TIME MARRIAGES

F.A. WELLINGTON, February 20. Matrimonial Causes (War Marriages) Emergency Regulations of last year gave the Supreme Court jurisdiction in divorce in relation to marriages celebrated between September 3, 1939, and a later date, to be appointed. They also provided for the recognition of certain American divorces, granted between those dates. As some doubt has existed regarding the latter date, which would determine what were war marriages, and thus subject to the Regulations, an amendment has been gazetted to-night to make it clear that the date shall not be earlier than when the Order-in-Council appointing it shall be made. That is the date will not be retrospective. The amending regulations extend the principle of the regulations in two respects. Dissolution of a war marriage . can now be applied for after a period of separation, either by agreement, or by order of the Court, which has existed for six months. The Supreme Court is given jurisdiction to determine a suit of nullity of a marriage celebrated abroad when the respondent is outside of New Zealand.