Divorce

• Catholics do not recognise divorce and remarriage - marriage is sacred
• Catholics accept that civil divorce may be necessary to give legal support to practice matters that need to be settled when two people separate
• Catholics believe neither party can remarry
• Catholics recognise annulment (which is when the marriage is declared not to have been a true marriage)
• Catholics believe a marriage can be annulled if one party of forced into the marriage, was not mature enough to make the commitment, did not infact intend the marriage to be life long, or the marriage was not consummated. (the couple did not have sex)
• In Judaism and Islam they believe divorce is a last resort if a relationship cannot be fixed. People should try and get relationship help before divorce.
• The Mishmah sets out some conditions where divorce is acceptable (jewish)
• A civil divorce from a court is needed alongside Jewish divorce
• In Judaism, the husband presents his wife with a get (a divorce document)
• A Jewish divorce all takes place in Beth Din Religious Court. There must be two witnesses.
• When Jewish people divorce, they are deemed to be agnuot (chained women) and any subsequent relationship would be considered adultery.
• A section from the Qur’an says ”And if they decide on divorce - then indeed Allah is hearing and knowing.” [Qur’an 2:227]
• In Islam, both men and women can divorce their partner and are free to remarry after they have been divorced.
• A couple in a marriage that had broken down should have the right to separate and enter into a new relationship
• There is no need to point out any particular reason for the marriage not working.
• Remarriage is allowed as many times as a person wants and can be to a former partner
• If divorce causes less stress than marriage then its considered the best option
• Nearly 50% of all marriages end in divorce
• This must be done through court because marriage creates a legal bond
• Annulments must also be done through court
• Often, adultery is the cause when the couple stop loving each other or move apart
• Money issues can put a strain on a marriage and cause a breakdown