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Divorce when did it come in to Law

ProfilePosted byOptionsPost Date

Pat

Pat Report 18 Oct 2004 20:03

Thanks Kate, Thanks Nell all very helpful I am wondering about my brick wall again, did you guess? Something to think about. Thanks all Pat x

Unknown

Unknown Report 18 Oct 2004 19:11

Pat Lots of info about divorce and which records are available here: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/familyhistory/divorce/ Annulments are quite different and have always been around. Henry VIII tried to get one off the Pope if you recall. I believe they are decided in ecclesiastical courts, whereas divorce is a civil matter. Regarding reverting to maiden name - I think this is probably very likely in the case of an annulment. Legally I think you can call yourself what you choose, as long as you are consistent. But divorce was considered to be scandalous and in the case of married women they would probably hang onto their married name for the sake of respectability especially if they had children. nell

Twinkle

Twinkle Report 18 Oct 2004 19:07

There was an Act in 1918 which made divorce cheaper and therefore more easily obtainable for the working class.

Martin

Martin Report 18 Oct 2004 10:33

OK, I just queried England because Scottish law if different. Martin

Pat

Pat Report 18 Oct 2004 09:33

Thanks Tracie will check that out. Thanks Mark, Sorry, yes referring to England. Many thanks for the answers. Pat x

Martin

Martin Report 18 Oct 2004 09:23

Presumably referring to England? According to a book of mine Until 1857 divorce could only be obtained by a private act of Parliament. Eccliastical churches could assist spouses who could not use the parliamentary procedure. The church courts could annul a marriage. From 1858 a divorce could be granted by a new civil Court of Divorce Matrimonial Causes. Husband could obtain a divorce because of the wife's adultery but the wife had to also prove his adultery had been aggravated by his cruelty etc. There were only 150 divorces in 1860 and 800 a year by 1914. By 1939 there were about 8000 divorces each year. Martin

Trouble

Trouble Report 18 Oct 2004 09:11

Sorry can't remember off hand but there is a time line on the BBC web site, you can find the information there.

Pat

Pat Report 18 Oct 2004 02:23

I know this was asked before but I have forgotten the answer. Can anyone tell me when either Divorce or annulments(sorry if thats the wrong spelling) came into being? Also does anyone know if women kept there married name or were legally allowed to return to their maiden name? Would be very interested to find out. Thanks in advance Patx