Under proposed new divorce legislation unveiled by Justice Secretary David Gauke, a husband or wife only needs to declare that a relationship is irretrievably breakdown. They would not need to provide evidence.
The right of a spouse to contest a divorce would be removed. It has been used in approximately two per cent of cases.
Jonathan Williams from Christian Action, Research and Education (CARE) said: "The Government's proposals to make divorce easier are incredibly misguided and will undermine marriage.
"If you make it easier to get a divorce, it is inevitable that the divorce rate will go up.
"Today, the Government is putting forward a view of marriage that prioritises individual freedom, rather than encouraging sacrifice and commitment."
Our response to #nofaultdivorce plan: "The Government is setting out to destroy the foundations of marriage by allowing cheating or bored spouses to walk away from a solemn, lifelong commitment whenever they choose and with the full support, and even encouragement, of the state."
— CoalitionForMarriage (@c4mtweets) April 9, 2019
Under the current Matrimonial Causes Act 1973, couples seeking a divorce could seek one if one partner is shown to be at fault through adultery, desertion or unreasonable behaviour.
Alternatively, if both parties agree to divorce but blame is not apportioned, a divorce could be granted after they have been living separately for at least two years.
Or, if only one party seeks the divorce, one might be granted if the parties have been living apart for a minimum of five years.
"Marriage matters for our children, and they need to know it matters. This legislation will make life less stable and more chaotic for them."
— Christian Concern (@CConcern) April 9, 2019
Read @A_Minichiello quoted in @Independent today as government announces 'no-fault' divorce overhaul.https://t.co/kcuORK33Vg#NoFault
Andrea Williams from Christian Concern, said: "'No fault' divorce is really 'no reason' divorce.
"How can the justice secretary say in one breath that he wants to uphold the institution of marriage when he is tearing it down, allowing people to walk away from their solemn promises to hold together in life-long commitment?
"Marriage matters for our children, and they need to know it matters. This legislation will make life less stable and more chaotic for them.
Great to see #nofaultdivorce trending on Twitter. Indicative of how strongly many people feel about removing the blame element in divorce proceedings. Coverage on @SkyNews https://t.co/s9lxRfHdlc pic.twitter.com/cHbOBUTma2
— Relate (@Relate_charity) April 9, 2019
The shake-up would introduce a minimum period of six months between the lodging of a divorce petition and the divorce becoming official.
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