Divorce, also called the annulling of marriage, refers to the final termination of a union. That is, the cancellation of the legal responsibilities and duties of marriage and dissolving bonds of matrimony between the two parties. The laws that dictate this practice vary around the world. In most places, sanction of an authority, such as the court, is mandatory.
This legal process may include issues of alimony, child support, division of debt and child custody. In many countries monogamy is a requirement by law and divorce allows the partners to marry again. In places where polygyny is a legal practice and polyandry is not, divorce permits a woman to marry a new man.
Like other changes in life, the breakup can be stressful to the people involved or affected. This changes living arrangements, household jobs, schedules, finances and more. If there is a family with children, the kids may struggle on an emotion level as well.
Most countries have legislation that permits this process, including Spain, Malta, Italy, Portugal, Ireland, The United States of America and Canada. The only countries that do not allow this are the Philippines and Vatican City. Many religions frown upon divorce but still allow followers to do it. A church may offer guidance and counseling to couples that are considering a legal breakup. The phrase divorcing ones parents may be used to reference the emancipation of minors.
The amount of breakups has continued to rise in recent years. These legal breakups are now regarded as commonplace in countries such as America, Canada, New Zealand, Scandinavia, Australia and Germany. Most of the laws differ based on the jurisdiction, but the two approaches to this practice: fault and no-fault. Likewise, six categories are used when referencing this practice: collaborative, no-fault, summary, uncontested, at-fault and mediated.
The reasons for legal breakups will range. There have been studies done that show people seek this out in cases of extramarital sex, infidelity or adultery; midlife crisis; domestic violence; workaholism; or addictions, such as alcoholism and gambling. The number of marriages, age a person becomes married and money can also play a major part in these breakups.
Divorce has become a social phenomenon around the world. This term is used to reference the legal breakup of a married couple, canceling legal obligations of marriage and dissolving the bonds of matrimony. There are different laws regarding this practice around the world, but the two main approaches: no-fault based and fault based. There is a lot of emotional stress that comes with the legal proceedings and arrangements that must be made to accommodate the breakup.
For more detailed information, check out the divorce resources at Law Blog