Divorce (Religious Marriages) Act 2002


The Divorce Act 2002 is an act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. The act amends the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 to allow one party to petition a court to not declare their divorce decree absolute until they have received a similar document from a religion's authority.

Background

The need for the legislation was demonstrated in the 2000 divorce case of O v O.
Jewish law requires a civil divorce and a Get for a person to remarry.

Provisions

The act allows a civil judge to require that a civil divorce until a religious divorce has been carried out.

Legislative passage

The act was brought before Parliament by Andrew Dismore MP as a private members' bill under the Ten Minute Rule.

Suggested reform

Muslim Women’s Network UK has suggested amending the act to include Muslim divorces.