changes in legislation - divorce

matrimonial causes act 1857

established civil divorce courts, allowed for divorce on the grounds of adultery, cruelty, and desertion, started to recognise women’s rights, addressed issues related to poverty and maintenance rights to women

matrimonial causes act 1937

allowed separation for a period of time (two years) as a basis for divorce, reduced the time needed to prove grounds for separation, judicial separation - allowed couples to live apart without formally separating, women’s rights

legal aid and advice act 1949

people who couldn’t afford a lawyer could get financial help to cover legal costs, set up services to provide legal advice, meant that more individuals could navigate the legal system without the burden of fees

divorce reform act 1969

no-fault divorce/‘irretrievable breakdown’, allowed couples to get divorced after living apart for just two years, streamlined process emphasised the importance of considering children’s welfare

matrimonial and family proceedings act 1984

interim orders (issues could be addressed before final divorce granted) improved the provisions for financial support, children’s welfare, simplified

family law act 1996

promoted mediation, cooling-off period (time to reconsider), children’s welfare, aimed to improve financial arrangements for families, more supportive and less confrontational, simplify grounds for divorce, make the process more straightforward