Matrimonial Causes Act 1973

Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 (1973 c 18)

The Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 governs divorce law in England and Wales, establishing the grounds for divorce and providing provisions for financial settlements post-separation. It introduced the concept of the “irretrievable breakdown” of marriage as the sole ground for divorce, which can be evidenced through adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion, two years’ separation with consent, or five years’ separation without consent. The Act also covers ancillary relief and maintenance, enabling the courts to distribute financial assets, provide for child care, and assess spousal support to ensure fair treatment of both parties.

Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 (1973 c 18)

Quick and comprehensive access to the most accurate, up-to-date legislation.

��ɫ�� traffic light system shows the status of legislation and cases so you are always using up-to-date law while historical versioning and legislative timelines lets you see exactly what has changed in legislation over time.

TAKE A FREE TRIAL

Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 (1973 c 18)

Part I Divorce, Nullity and Other Matrimonial Suits (ss [1-20)

Part II Financial Relief for Parties to Marriage and Children of Family (ss 21-[40B)

Part III . . . (ss [41-44 < .)

Part IV Miscellaneous and Supplemental (ss 45-55)

SCHEDULE 1 Transitional Provisions and Savings

SCHEDULE 2 Consequential Amendments

SCHEDULE 3 < . . . >

Related legal guidance

A financial consent order has been made that provides for the former matrimonial home to be transferred

Q&As

A financial consent order has been made that provides for the former matrimonial home to be transferred to one spouse on the basis that they obtain t

A financial consent order was sent to the court and refused on the basis that it was not considered to be

Q&As

A financial consent order was sent to the court and refused on the basis that it was not considered to be a fair settlement for the husband The wife

A financial remedy order provides for the family home to be sold In the event that a purchaser cannot be

Q&As

A financial remedy order provides for the family home to be sold In the event that a purchaser cannot be found can the parties agree that one of th

A spouse who remarried and did not make an application for financial provision prior to the remarriage

Q&As

A spouse who remarried and did not make an application for financial provision prior to the remarriage under the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 MCA 19

Applications to set aside past dealings MCA 1973 s 37

Practice notes

Applications to set aside past dealings MCA 1973 s 37 This Practice Note details the jurisdiction and procedure regarding applications under section

Can a non biological father be liable to pay child maintenance to the biological mother either by virtue

Q&As

Can a non biological father be liable to pay child maintenance to the biological mother either by virtue of a calculation by the Child maintenance Se

Capitalised maintenance on variation

Practice notes

Capitalised maintenance on variation This Practice Note sets out the circumstances in which the court may make a lump sum order by way of capitalised

Costs in financial proceedings

Practice notes

Costs in financial proceedings This Practice Note provides a summary of the rules in relation to costs in proceedings for a financial remedy within d

Key requirements to establish a res judicata

Practice notes

Key requirements to establish a res judicata The elements of establishing a res judicata In order to set up a res judicata you must establish that

Special considerations for assets held in trust

Practice notes

Special considerations for assets held in trust This Practice Note provides an overview of the courts general approach to assets held in trust withi

Standard order 1 3 consent order under the accelerated first appointment procedure

Precedents

Standard order 1 3 consent order under the accelerated first appointment procedure In the Family Court sitting at Court name Case No Case numb

Where a financial consent order was approved and dated before the decree nisi can it be re dated so it

Q&As

Where a financial consent order was approved and dated before the decree nisi can it be re dated so it is attributed to a date after decree nisi S