The divorce would still need to be pronounced by a judge if a child requests to be heard by a magistrate. (Representational Image)
Paris:
The French government plans to allow divorce by mutual consent to proceed without a judge, to simplify and accelerate the process.
Details are to be discussed at the lower house of parliament during a debate starting today on a bill to modernize the country's justice system.
Family associations expressed fears that the best interests of children would not be protected enough.
Justice minister Jean-Jacques Urvoas said the process would cost about 50 euros ($56) at the notary office. Each spouse would be required to have a lawyer.
The divorce would still need to be pronounced by a judge if a child requests to be heard by a magistrate.
Urvoas told France Inter radio today he wants judges "to focus on the litigious divorce cases".
Details are to be discussed at the lower house of parliament during a debate starting today on a bill to modernize the country's justice system.
Family associations expressed fears that the best interests of children would not be protected enough.
Justice minister Jean-Jacques Urvoas said the process would cost about 50 euros ($56) at the notary office. Each spouse would be required to have a lawyer.
The divorce would still need to be pronounced by a judge if a child requests to be heard by a magistrate.
Urvoas told France Inter radio today he wants judges "to focus on the litigious divorce cases".
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