Context

• 1960’s and 70’s – During this time of history, society was going through some major changes. This was the era of “free love,” the Vietnam War was in full swing, Civil Rights and Women’s rights were also being fought for.  Once again the divorce rate spiked, this time, it is thought that the advent of no fault divorce played a part in the spike.
• Previously Women divorcing on the grounds of adultery not only had to prove their husbands had been unfaithful but also had to prove additional faults, which included cruelty, rape and incest.
• The big change came in 1969, when the Divorce Reform Act was passed, allowing couples to divorce after they had been separated for two years (or five years if only one of them wanted a divorce)
• A marriage could be ended if it had irretrievably broken down, and neither partner no longer had to prove "fault".