LAWYERS’ HARVEST

Thames Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 20095, 25 August 1937, Page 4

LAWYERS’ HARVEST

EXTRA £1,000,000 IN FEES BRITAIN’S NEW DIVORCE LAW Lawyers expect that they will earn an extra £1,000,000 in fees as a result of the passing of the Matrimonial Causes Bill, which reforms the divorce law. They anticipate upwards of another 5000 cases each year. Defended cases will be more costly as there will be more elaborate hearings, more witnesses and longer legal argument. The cost of undefended petitions will drop from £7O to £SO, as the court is empowered to treat judicial separation as sufficient evidence. Unless additional judges are appointed there will be chaos in the courts. “What about Oxford as the home of lost causes now?” said Mr. A. P. Herbert, Independent member for Oxford University, who was the author of the Bill. “Look at all the names of the Oxford men, like myself, who supported the Bill. It has been a matter of loyal and indefatigable team work. I could not really have advanced without the constant advice and assistance of the law officers of the Crown, and last, but not least, the much maligned King’s Proctor. “I am delighted with the measure, as it shows what useful work can be dona by private members. I received most valuable support from all parties, and the press has given its unfailing and almost unanimous support."