| 释义 |
special procedure
(in divorce proceedings) A speedy, simple, and cheap procedure for uncontested divorce cases introduced in the mid-1970s. A district judge scrutinized the divorce application and, if satisfied that the ground was made out, issued a certificate to that effect. The divorce was then formally granted in open court; neither party needed to appear. The introduction of the special procedure revolutionized divorce law and was eventually used in the majority of cases. The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 removes any duty to scrutinize the facts, a bare statement (by one or both parties) that the marriage has irretrievably broken down being sufficient. |