Secular changes in divorce in England and Wales by class of decree--a socio-legal analysis.

Abstract

The author describes changes in divorce law in England and Wales during the twentieth century, focusing primarily on the enlargement of the statutory grounds for divorce. "This paper traces such developments in order to gauge the changes which have taken place in attitudes to divorce, so providing the necessary background for interpreting the main demographic trends in divorce: the long-term increase in level and the changing patterns of petitioning--by grounds and by which partner initiates proceedings."