DIVORCE IN BRITAIN.

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19900, 1 June 1936, Page 9

DIVORCE IN BRITAIN.

EASY TERMS. , PAYMENT BY INSTALMENTS. LON’DON, May 3. You can pay for divorce on the in—stalment system to-day. Divorce costs range from £3 under the Poor Persons’ Rules, to as much as £IO,OOO, in a Society case, says Reynoldsi Newspaper. They fall most harshly on the man or woman of moderate means. Many firms of solicitors are now coming to their rescue by allowing payment by instalments. 1 Mrs M. L. Seaton—Tiedeman, hon. secretary of the Divorce Law Reform Union, said yesterday: “Our experience is that very grave hardships are suffered by people whose income just exceeds that stipulated by the Poor Persdns’ Committee. “In scores of cases, divorce proceedings are rendered impossible by the heavy costs. The parties dare not seek justice, which should be avail-i able to all classes of the community“ “There are a few solicitors who! have been kind enough to allow pay- } ment on the instalment plan. But it should not be left to the goodwill of a philanthropic solicitor. Drastic reform is essential to bring the law costs down.” At present, free legal aid is given to those whose property does not excowl £SO in value and whose income :lniw not exceed £2 per week. In special circumstances the limits are. 4.100 for property and £4 per week in- ‘ come. While there are no Court fees and the services of solicitors and counsel are given free, the Poor Person has to pay witnesses’ expenses, legal forms, and the cost of service. This usually amounts to £5, but it is often as low as £3. Outside the Poor Persons' Rules, costs in an undefended divorce suit are rarely below £SO. They average £7O. Where the suit is defended, costs often amount to £2OO. Divorce has meant financial ruin to hundreds of people. »