Divorce laws
The divorce laws vary considerably around the world. Divorce is not permitted in some countries, such as in Malta and in the Philippines, though an annulment is permitted. The legal process for divorce may also involve issues of spousal support, child custody, child support, distribution of property and division of debt, though these matters are usually only ancillary or consequential to the dissolution of the marriage. Most jurisdictions require that before a divorce can be sanctioned, there be a reason for the divorce that is both legally valid and accepted. Common grounds for divorce include adultery, the commission of a crime against the other spouse, or more commonly some general provision about the unworkability of the marriage, whether as a result of a gradual deterioration in personal relationships or simply as a result of a significant row or fight. In terms of any settlement there is usually an overriding principle of fairness adopted by the courts in working out who gets what. Of course there may very well be strict legal rules as to what is decided but, particularly in common law systems, there is an overall consideration of what is fair on both parties and what is just or equitable given the circumstances of the split. One of the major issues arising from divorce is that of division of property. Whilst it is different in each jurisdiction, the higher earner or higher net wealth spouse can expect to lose out overall to the other spouse, provided there have been no pre nuptial agreements drafted to the contrary.
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