Divorce without judges? For cases without disputes, France considers easing the process
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}France is putting together a plan to allow divorces by mutual consent to proceed without a judge, simplifying a process that some critics say is already too easy.
Social Affairs Minister Dominique Bertinotti confirmed the plan on Friday, telling BFM-TV that "simplification is a good thing."
Under the proposal, a court clerk could approve divorces when both spouses agree. According to the Le Figaro newspaper, divorcing couples in agreement spend an average of only eight minutes before a judge now. Bertinotti said court clerks are highly trained in the law and could handle those cases, freeing up judges for trickier breakups.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Bertinotti says "one couple in two will divorce. Do we have to make it more difficult?"
Opponents say the plan will further weaken the institution of marriage.