Outline and discuss the view that the rise in divorce rates since the 1970's is a direct consequence of changes in the law. 30 marks

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Anita McCulloch 12.4

Outline and discuss the view that the rise in divorce rates since the 1970’s is a direct consequence of changes in the law. 30 marks

In 1971 the government set "the divorce reform act". This law made divorce easier and a lot cheaper for couples who decided they wanted a divorce and also allowed couples to divorce after only two years of marriage. Before this time divorces were hard to get and were only allowed on the basis of matrimonial offences, showing or proving that one partner had done wrong to the other. These matrimonial offences remained the main reason for divorce until 1971.

Since 1971 divorces were easily carried out for more reasons other than just matrimonial offences. Since the 1970s the rates have dramatically increased because a lot of teenagers and younger people are getting married and their relationships don't last long leading to divorce. 

In 1985 the 1984 Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act became effective, this allowed couples to divorce after only one year of marriage. By this time many more women were independent and were working, which was a challenge to men who still expected women to be at home and doing housework. This helped to increase the number of divorces.

The expectation of more in marriages has been one major reason why a lot of couples file for a divorce. Writers such as Ronald Fletcher also see those higher divorce rates as expectations of increased and high standards of marriage. The main partner who seems too want a higher lifestyle is the woman instead of the man. So in effect women and not men today file three quarters of all divorces.

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Since the divorce act, the reasons for divorce did not have to be complicated. The reason could have been as simple as filing for a divorce because of a simple marriage breakdown. This simplicity in divorce caused a lot of couples to get a divorce quickly and easily without thoroughly thinking about it. This ease of divorce increased the divorce rate dramatically.

Since 1985 when the "1984 matrimonial and family proceedings act" was set, it meant people could get divorced after one year of marriage instead of the normal 3 years. This ease of divorce was commented on by a ...

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