Лектор докладно проаналізувала разом з учасниками англо-американські підходи до розлучення, а саме:

1. Обговорення ключової термінології за темою заходу.

2. Правові підстави розлучення: fault-based divorce (adultery, cruelty) та no-fault divorce.

3. Огляд процедур розлучення за правом Англії та Уельсу, США: структура, основні відмінності, тривалість.

4. Розподіл активів подружжя (fairness-based distribution, equitable distribution vs. community property).

5. Опіка та аліменти на дітей ("best interests of the child" principle). Аліменти на одного з подружжя: термінологія, відмінності правових систем, практичні приклади.

6. Останні тенденції та реформи. Огляд судової практики.

7. Завдання та практичні поради за темою заходу.

У рамках характеристики способів розлучення акцентовано на наступному:

1. Вступ. Обговорення ключової термінології за темою заходу

Dissolution of Marriage Terminology:

• Marriage – шлюб;

• Legal Separation - узаконене роздільне проживання;

• Annulment of marriage - скасування шлюбу;

• Divorce - розлучення;

• Conciliation - процедура примирення;

• Matrimonial law - сімейне право;

• Dissolution of marriage – розірвання шлюбу.

Phrasal verbs:

1. Move out– з'їхати, виїхати (з житла після розлучення). After the divorce, he moved out of the house. (Після розлучення він з'їхав із будинку).

2. Break up– розійтися, розірвати стосунки. They broke up after ten years of marriage. (Вони розійшлися після десяти років шлюбу).

3. Split up– розлучитися, розійтися. They decided to split up because they were unhappy together. (Вони вирішили розлучитися, бо були нещасливі разом).

Each spouse has the duty to support: himself or herself; the other spouse; and their minor children. If a married person neglects to support his or her spouse, any person who in good faith provides “necessaries” to the neglected spouse may hold the neglecting spouse civilly liable for the value of necessaries.

If a party to a marriage is already married, he or she is incompetent to enter into another marriage. A married person who knowingly enters into another marriage is a bigamist. Bigamy is a crime and the purported subsequent marriage is invalid. A marriage cannot be completed without a license obtained by making an application in the probate court.

4. File for (divorce) – подати заяву нарозлучення. She finally filed for divorce after months of arguments. (Вона нарешті подала заяву на розлучення після місяців сварок).

5. Drag on (a divorce case, proceedings) – затягуватися. The divorce proceedings dragged on for years. (Розгляд справи про розлучення затягнувся на роки).

6. Work out (differences) – вирішити (розбіжності, конфлікти). They tried to work out their differences but failed. (Вони намагалися вирішити свої розбіжності, але не змогли).

2. Правові підстави розлучення: fault-based divorce (adultery, cruelty) та no-fault divorce

A fault-based divorce requires one spouse to prove that the other committed a marital wrongdoing.

The most common grounds include:

• Cruelty or Abuse;

• Imprisonment;

• Substance Abuse;

• Desertion/ Abandonment;

• Adultery.

Jurisdictions Practicing Fault-Based Divorce:

1. Some U.S. states (e.g., New York, Virginia) still allow fault-based divorce, though no-fault divorce is also available.

2. England & Wales used to require fault grounds until the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 introduced no-fault divorce.

A no-fault divorce allows a couple to end their marriage without proving wrongdoing.

The most common grounds include:

• Irreconcilable Differences - The spouses can no longer get along, making reconciliation impossible.

• Irretrievable Breakdown of Marriage - The marriage is beyond repair.

Jurisdictions Practicing No-Fault Divorce:

1. The United States (since California introduced it in 1970, followed by other states).

2. England & Wales (since April 6, 2022, following the Owens v. Owens (2018) case, which highlighted the need for reform).

3. Огляд процедур розлучення за правом Англії та Уельсу, США: структура, основні відмінності, тривалість

Number of Divorces:

• In 2022, there were 80,057 divorces granted in England and Wales, marking a 29.5% decrease compared to 2021, which had 113,505 divorces.

• This is the lowest number of divorces recorded since 1971.

Case Overview: Owens v. Owens (2018):

Tini Owens, a woman in her late 60s, filed for divorce from her husband, Hugh Owens, after 40 years of marriage. She argued that their marriage had broken down irretrievably due to his unreasonable behavior. However, Mr. Owens contested the divorce, claiming that while the marriage was unhappy, his behavior did not meet the legal threshold for unreasonable conduct under the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973. The trial judge ruled against Mrs. Owens, stating that the examples of her husband's behavior were not sufficiently serious to justify a divorce. She appealed to the Court of Appeal and later to the UK Supreme Court, both of which upheld the ruling.

Consequences & Legal Impact:

The case highlighted the limitations of fault based divorce law in England and Wales, especially when one spouse opposed the divorce. The Supreme Court acknowledged that the outcome was unfair but emphasized that they were bound by the existing law. Public and political pressure increased for divorce law reform, leading to the enactment of the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, which introduced no-fault divorce in England and Wales (effective from April 6, 2022). Under the new law, spouses no longer need to prove fault or wait for years if one party refuses to consent to the divorce.

Key Divorce Terms in the UK:

• Decree Nisi (Conditional Order) – A court order stating that the court sees no reason why the divorce cannot proceed. It is the first step toward finalizing the divorce but does not legally end the marriage.

• Decree Absolute (Final Order) – The final court order that legally ends the marriage. It can be applied for at least six weeks and one day after the Decree Nisi (Conditional Order).

• Since April 2022, the terms Conditional Order (instead of Decree Nisi) and Final Order (instead of Decree Absolute) are used under the no-fault divorce system.

4. Розподіл активів подружжя (fairness-based distribution, equitable distribution vs. community property)

Equitable Distribution (Majority of States):

Courts divide assets fairly but not necessarily equally based on various factors, including:

• Length of the marriage;

• Each spouse’s financial contribution and earning capacity;

• Child custody arrangements;

• Needs and future financial security of both parties.

Community Property (Nine States: e.g., California, Texas, Arizona):

• Assets acquired during the marriage are divided 50/50, regardless of financial contributions.

• Exceptions: Separate property (inheritances, gifts, pre-marital assets) is not divided.

The UK: Fairness-Based Approach:

Principle of Needs, Compensation, and Equal Sharing (established in White v. White (2000):

• Courts aim for a fair division of assets rather than a strict 50/50 split.

• Key factors considered under the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973:

• Welfare of any children;

• Financial and non-financial contributions (homemakers vs. earners);

• Future financial needs and earning capacity of each spouse;

• Standard of living during marriage.

Example Case: White v. White (2000) Established that financial contributions of a homemaker should be valued equally to monetary contributions.

Case Overview: White v. White (2000):

Martin and Pamela White, a farming couple, sought divorce after 33 years of marriage. Their £4.5 million worth of assets were primarily acquired through Mr. White’s farming business. Mrs. White, who contributed as a homemaker and assisted in the business, sought a fair share of the assets. The lower court awarded her £800,000, but she appealed, arguing for a larger settlement based on her contributions.

Consequences: Equal Contributions Principle– The House of Lords ruled that financial and non-financial (homemaking) contributions should be valued equally. “Yardstick of Equality”– Courts should start with a 50/50 split unless there’s a reason for an unequal division. Shift in Divorce Law– This case ended discrimination against non-earning spouses, ensuring fairer asset division in future divorce cases. Mrs. White’s award was increased to £1.5 million, setting a landmark precedent for fairness in financial settlements.

5. Опіка та аліменти на дітей ("best interests of the child" principle). Аліменти на одного з подружжя: термінологія, відмінності правових систем, практичні приклади

Vocabulary:

• Child support – догляд за дітьми;

• Child custody - опіка дітей;

• Primary responsibility – переважні обов'язки;

• Shared parenting – спільна опіка;

• Residential parent – батько-опікун (батько або мати, з яким (якою) проживає дитина);

• Nonresidential parent – батько-неопікун (батько або мати, що проживає окремо від дитини);

• Reasonable companionship or visitation with minor children – відвідування та спілкування з дітьми у розумних обсягах.

The law requires employers to allow employees to take up to 12 weeks of job protected leave to nurse or care for newborn, adopted, or foster children; to nurse seriously ill parents, spouses, or children; or to recover from serious illness.

Best Interests of the Child Standard.

Both the U.S. and UK prioritize the child’s welfare in custody and support decisions. Courts consider:

• The child’s emotional, educational, and physical needs.

• Each parent’s ability to provide care (stability, income, living conditions).

• The child’s relationship with each parent and, in some cases, their preference.

Child Custody & Support in the UK:

• Parental Responsibility – Legal rights and duties to care for and make decisions about a child’s upbringing.

• Child Arrangements Order – A court order deciding where a child lives and who they spend time with.

• Residence (Living Arrangements) – Where the child primarily lives.

• Contact (Visitation) – The time a child spends with the non resident parent.

• Sole Custody – One parent has full responsibility (rare in the UK).

• Shared Custody (Joint Custody) – Both parents share parenting responsibilities.

• Best Interests of the Child – The key principle which courts use to make decisions.

• Child Maintenance (Child Support) – Financial support from the non-resident parent.

• CMS (Child Maintenance Service) – The government agency that calculates and enforces child support payments.

• Visitation Rights – The right of a non-custodial parent to spend time with their child. Typically set out by the court, visitation can be supervised or unsupervised.

• Child Support Guidelines – State-specific formulas used to determine the amount of child support based on factors such as parents' income, the child's needs, and the time spent with each parent.

• Best Interest of the Child – The legal standard used in custody cases, ensuring decisions prioritize the child's emotional, physical, and psychological well-being.

• Modification of Custody/Support – A change to a previously agreed-upon custody arrangement or support order, typically due to a significant change in circumstances.

• Enforcement – Legal measures taken to ensure that child support payments are made. Penalties can include wage garnishment, tax refund interception, or even imprisonment.

The USA:

1. Legal Custody (decision making power) vs. Physical Custody (where the child lives).

2. Preference for joint custody, unless one parent is unfit.

3. Courts follow state-specific laws (e.g., California favors shared parenting, while some states still grant sole custody more often).

The UK:

1. Parental Responsibility applies to both parents.

2. Residence Order (who the child lives with) and Contact Order (visitation rights).

3. Courts encourage shared parenting, but outcomes depend on the child’s best interests.

Spousal support:

• Spousal Maintenance (The UK) - Spousal Maintenance Regular financial payments made by one ex-spouse to the other after divorce to support their financial needs if they cannot support themselves.

• Alimony (The USA Alimony) – A court-ordered financial support payment made by one ex-spouse to the other after divorce to help maintain their standard of living. Also called "spousal support" or "spousal maintenance.“

Key Aspects of Spousal Support in the UK:

1. Not Automatic – Spousal maintenance is not guaranteed and depends on factors like income, earning capacity, and financial needs.

2. Length of Marriage Matters – Long marriages (10+ years) are more likely to lead to longer-term maintenance orders.

3. Goal of Financial Independence – Courts prefer a clean break where possible, encouraging the lower-earning spouse to become self-sufficient.

4. Modification or Termination – Payments can be reviewed or stopped if circumstances change (e.g., the recipient remarries or gains employment).

6. Останні тенденції та реформи. Огляд судової практики

Recent Trends in Divorce Law (the UK):

• Introduction of No-Fault Divorce (April 2022): The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 came into effect in April 2022, bringing no fault divorce to England and Wales.

• Longer Waiting Periods: The new law introduced a mandatory 20-week “cooling off” period between filing for divorce and applying for the conditional order (formerly decree nisi).

• Rise in Joint Divorce Applications Longer Waiting Periods: The new law introduced a mandatory 20-week “cooling off” period between filing for divorce and applying for the conditional order (formerly decree nisi). The new law allows joint applications, meaning both spouses can apply for a divorce together. In 2022, 22% of divorce applications were joint, a significant change from previous adversarial divorce proceedings.

• Digitalisation of Divorce Proceedings:

• The UK has moved towards online divorce applications, making the process faster and more accessible.

• Over 90% of divorces are now filed online. However, some individuals, particularly the elderly or those without digital access, face difficulties.

Mills v. Mills [2018] UKSC 38 Key Case on Spousal Maintenance:

Background: The case involved Mr. and Mrs. Mills, who divorced in 2002 after a long marriage. As part of the divorce settlement, Mrs. Mills was awarded spousal maintenance of £13,200 per year (about £1,100 per month). She later mismanaged her financial assets, leading to increased financial difficulties. In 2014, she applied to the court, asking for an increase in spousal maintenance due to her worsening financial situation.

Supreme Court Decision (2018): The UK Supreme Court ruled in favor of Mr. Mills, deciding that:

• Mrs. Mills could not claim increased spousal maintenance just because she had mismanaged her financial assets.

• Spousal support is meant to help, not act as a lifetime safety net.

• The court’s focus should be on promoting financial independence whenever possible.

Impact of the Case:

• Confirmed that spousal maintenance should not be increased due to financial mismanagement.

• Reinforced the principle that divorced spouses should work toward financial independence rather than relying on indefinite payments.

• Encouraged courts to limit long term maintenance orders when possible.

7. Завдання та практичні поради за темою заходу

Lord Denning (British Judge, famous for family law decisions): "Divorce is a judicial process by which a marriage solemnly entered into is judicially terminated with the least harm to the family and society."

This quote reflects the legal philosophy that courts aim to dissolve marriages with minimal negative consequences, especially for children and society.

Gloria Allred (American divorce attorney and women's rights advocate): "Divorce is not about winning or losing, it is about fairness and protecting what matters most—especially when children are involved.

A legal perspective on how divorce should not be treated as a battle but as a process for achieving just outcomes.

Divorce Rates in the UK: The significant drop in divorces in 2022 may be attributed to legislative changes, such as the introduction of the new Divorce Act in April 2022, which implemented longer waiting periods and allowed for joint applications.

In the UK, divorce is governed by the laws as follows:

• The Matrimonial Causes Act 1973;

• The Family Law Act 1996;

• The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020;

• Children Act 1989;

• The Civil Partnership Act 2004;

• The Family Justice Review 2011;

• The Pensions Act 1995.

In the USA, divorce is governed by the laws as follows:

• The Divorce Act (Federal);

• State Laws (Individual States);

• The Uniform Marriage and Divorce Act (UMDA) (1970s);

• The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) (1993);

• The Child Support Enforcement Act (1975);

• The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) (1994).