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Monthly Archives: July 2010

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Since our last blog was published, the New York State Assembly gave final passage on July 1st to no-fault divorce, clearing the way for New York State to allowing couples to end their marriages quickly when one spouse believes the union is over. The new measure, which requires one spouse to swear under oath that the relationship has broken down irretrievably for at least six months, is the final piece of a legislative package enacting the most sweeping changes to the state’s divorce laws in 40 years. This final legislative approval comes after what one member of the Assembly called “an awfully long and hard battle.” The bills now await Governor Paterson’s signature. No-fault divorce has long been opposed by the Catholic Church, with the view that the legislation would make divorce easier; feminists argued that no-fault did not address the concerns of poorer women. The National Organization for Women of New York State has found itself on the same side of the issue as the Church, although the New York City chapter of NOW supports the legislation. Marcia Pappas, president of the New York State chapter of NOW, has written recently, “No-fault can take away the bargaining leverage of the non-moneyed spouse—and that is usually the woman….In fairness, any partner to a marriage should be provided with notice that the other partner wants a divorce and given an opportunity to negotiate the terms for the divorce. Often, there is fault with ‘divorce on demand,’ not only can the more moneyed […]