CMAC welcome for divorce law reforms

THE CATHOLIC MARRIAGE ADVISORY
Council (CMAC) has given a cautious welcome to the Lord Chancellor's proposals for radical changes in divorce law but warns they must be backed up with adequate resources.
In his December Green Paper, the Chancellor proposed requiring couples to seek a year's "breathing space", encouraging them to seek mediation, and lessening the emphasis on apportioning blame when a split does occur.
'We welcome the intention behind the reforms to support the institution of marriage and to minimise the bitterness and hostility of break-up but we think there is then a responsibility to provide the resources to make that happen," said Mary Corbett, CMAC's chief executive. Under the draft scheme, all couples would be asked to go to a one-hour personal interview at which they would receive guidance on the divorce process and basic counselling.
"We welcome the removal of the clement of 'fault', but this must be balanced with more help at the mediation stage", said Mrs Corbett. "One interview is unlikely to achieve the stated objectives. It is only the first step."
The CMAC, the country's largest Christian counselling service, consulted all of its 1,200 voluntary staff before passing judgement on the proposals.
"To remove the acrimony from the breakdown of marriage will be very positive. But what are we doing for the institution of marriage as a whole?" asked Mrs Corbett.
Feature article, page 7.