Matrimonial Causes (Faultless Divorce) Amendment Act 2022

What this bill does

This bill makes it easier and less confrontational to get divorced in Bermuda. Instead of having to prove your spouse did something wrong or that you've been separated for years, couples can now divorce simply by stating their marriage has broken down and cannot be repaired.

If passed (voted YES)

• Couples can get divorced without having to blame each other or prove fault like adultery or unreasonable behavior
• The divorce process will take a minimum of 20 weeks (about 5 months) from start to finish, with built-in waiting periods for reflection
• Legal terminology gets updated - "petitions" become "applications" and "decree absolute" becomes "divorce order final"

If rejected (voted NO)

• Couples must continue to prove specific grounds for divorce (like adultery, unreasonable behavior, or living apart for 2-5 years)
• The current fault-based system remains, potentially making divorces more adversarial and emotionally difficult
• Existing legal terminology and procedures stay unchanged

Who it affects

This primarily affects married couples in Bermuda who are considering divorce or separation, making the process less stressful and confrontational for families. It also affects lawyers and court staff who handle divorce cases.