FAMILIES & HOUSEHOLDS - DATES

Pre 1857

Divorce virtually non-existent. Only attainable by a special costly act of parliament

1857

Men can divorce unfaithful wives. Women had yo probe husbands' crutely. Divorce is costly

1921

3,000 divorces

1923

Grounds for divorce equal for men and women

1937

Grounds widened to include desertion and cruelty

1949

Legal aid available making divorce more affordable

1961

27,000 divorces 9x higher than in 1921

1969

Divorce reform act passed.

"Irretrievable breakdown" - the reason for divorce. Divorce available after 2 years of separation

1984

Minimum period after marriage before a divorce petition can be filed reduced from 3 years to 1

1996

Family law acts encourage couples to seek mediation, but divorce is allowed after a 'period of reflection'

2004

Civil partnership act allows for legal dissolution of a civil partnership due to irreconcilable differences

2007

Appeal court ruling in divorce in divorce settlements. The starting point is 50/50 spilt of all assets, including salaries and pensions rights

2014

Same sex marriages became law. Some grounds for divorce apply to same sec and opposite sex couples