History Of Divorce Law

Question 1

Before what year could divorce be obtained by the rich?

Answer 1

1857

Question 2

Why could divorce only be obtained by the rich?

Answer 2

Because each divorce needed a private act of parliament

Question 3

The matrimonial causes act of 1857

Answer 3

Divorce procedure was made cheaper and easier to paying however it was still too expensive for the middle and working classes

Question 4

Who had more rights in 1857?

Answer 4

Men - just had to prove adultery

Women - prove more than adultery (incest, bigamy)

Question 5

The matrimonial causes act of 1923

Answer 5

Women now had the same rights to divorce their husbands - women had more power in terminating unhappy relationships

Question 6

The legal aid and advice act of 1949

Answer 6

All people could revive legal advice and financial assistance with solicitors and court fees - now possible for the working class to divorce