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Divorces

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Dal

Dal Report 9 Nov 2009 02:17

Can anyone point me at a brief summary of how divorce worked in the 1930s? As in - who would/could start proceedings, how long did it take, what grounds would be given -did the grounds given tend to be 'standard' reasons.

Thanks in advance

KathleenBell

KathleenBell Report 9 Nov 2009 11:16

I don't know a great deal but I think either party could start proceedings (although it was quite expensive so not many ordinary people did).

I have a feeling that the only grounds for a woman to get a divorce were either adultery or cruelty by her husband. Hopefully someone else can give you a more accurate answer.

Kath. x

Wildgoose

Wildgoose Report 9 Nov 2009 12:17

I'm no expert either, but I think you could add desertion to the list for either party.

Researching:
Northampton/Blisworth Northants/Hinderclay Suffolk

was plain ann now annielaurie

was plain ann now annielaurie Report 9 Nov 2009 14:28

If you're thinking of a particular case and the divorce was 1937 or before, you may be able to get copies of the file from the National Archives. Search their online catalogue by putting in the surname and using J77 as the reference to search. If the case appears, click on "Request this" to get a quote for copies.

InspectorGreenPen

InspectorGreenPen Report 9 Nov 2009 14:59

Since 1857, men could obtain divorce for adultery, but women had to prove cruelty or desertion, in addition to their husband's adultery. This was changed in 1923, when women were allowed to use the same grounds for divorce as men.

In 1969, after much debate, 'irretrievable breakdown', on the basis of one of five grounds became the main test for divorce.

Mummy Bear

Mummy Bear Report 9 Nov 2009 17:32

Dal

I've not used this site before but it does give a clear overview.
http://www.familyhistory.uk.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=548&Itemid=29
MB