Divorce Reform

Question 1

What was divorce law prior to 1960s

Answer 1

-divorce law demanded evidence one party committed adultery
-rich used PI’s + cameras to find evidence
-but for others divorce often impossible as no proof
-Jenkins said laws out of date + passed divorce reform act 1969

Question 2

What was the divorce reform act 1969:

Answer 2

-allowed ‘no fault divorce’ following ‘irretrievable breakdown of marriage’
-couples divorce if lived apart for 2 years + both partners agreed
-lived apart 5 years + one partner wanted it but not all MPs in favour
-by 1970 nearly 10 in 100 marriages ended in divorce