UK looks at easing divorce law after high-profile court case

LONDON – The British government wants to make it easier for couples to divorce, spurred by the case of a woman ordered to stay in what she called a loveless marriage.

The Supreme Court ruled in July that Tini Owens must remain married to her husband of 40 years despite her wish to leave him. The judges called it a “very troubling case” but said their hands were tied by the country’s divorce laws.

English law requires a spouse to prove unreasonable behaviour, adultery, desertion or a five-year separation unless both parties agree to divorce.

BuzzFeed News reported Friday that ministers are due to open a consultation on reform. A government spokeswoman in the House of Lords, Charlotte Vere, confirmed that “we are looking at ways to reduce conflict in a divorce.”