A proposed new law to allow no-fault divorces is set to be debated in the House of Keys.

Daphne Caine (Garff) has been granted permission to introduce a private member’s bill that, if approved, would amend the grounds for divorce, judicial separation and dissolution of civil partnerships.

Mrs Caine said the remit was deliberately wider than just divorce, to reflect current Manx law.

She said Manx advocates had contacted her calling for a change and she had seen examples of the issue during her time as children’s champion.

’According to the report of the Nuffield Foundation’s detailed study on the subject of no-fault divorces published last year, they found 60% of divorces were fault-based in England in 2015,’ she said.

’It is likely to be a similar proportion in the Isle of Man, given our current law is based on the same legislation.

’In Scotland, where they have different procedures, the level of fault-based divorces was only 6%. The report recommends a complete change.’

She said current laws created ’unnecessary conflict’ and added to stressful situations, often with children caught in the crossfire.

’Couples who want to settle matters amicably must wait two years if both parties agree, but five years if it is contested,’ she said.

’That delay can put huge strain on individuals and on families. In some cases a couple might cite unreasonable behaviour or adultery in order simply to accomplish a quicker divorce.’

Mrs Caine received unanimous support to draw up legislation for introduction at a later date, although Tim Baker (Ayre and Michael) voiced a note of caution.

He said: ’Let’s ensure we do not erode the value of marriage in the Isle of Man and the value that long-term relationships, in all their form, actually bring to the upbringing of children and to society.’