Tuesday, September 10, 2002
Irish lawmaker introduces new divorce bill in Northern Ireland
A story released today by the Divorce-Online News reports that Northern
Ireland’s new Family Law Bill aims to reduce the incentive to obtain a
"quickie" divorce by reducing the requirement for separation from five years
to three. It will also give courts the power to adjourn cases for mediation
to enable couples to agree on issues such as care of children.
The bill which was introduced by Finance and Personnel Minister Sean Farren
said the legislation was intended to promote agreement where possible to
help reduce acrimony and to highlight the importance of children`s
interests.
The proposed legislation is a result of detailed research and widespread
consultations carried out by the Office of Law Reform since 1995.
The aim of the bill is not to change the fundamental ground of divorce which
will remain the irretrievable breakdown of marriage.
