Hubig plans changes to divorce law in cases of domestic violence
Federal Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig wants to abolish the separation year in cases of domestic violence. She also plans to introduce free choice of jurisdiction for victims.
Divorce law: Hubig wants to scrap separation year in domestic violence cases
The Federal Justice Ministry has confirmed plans to the ARD capital studio for a new regulation of divorce law, as Tagesschau reports. The focus is on the so-called separation year, which married couples have been obliged to observe before a divorce until now.
Federal Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig stated that the separation year in cases of domestic violence would no longer need to be observed in future. The planned legislative change is intended to create legal certainty and simplify the application of existing regulations. A hardship exemption already exists, which courts can apply in cases of unreasonableness — however, its application is to be facilitated in cases of domestic violence.
Furthermore, the SPD politician is planning a legislative amendment to the rules on choice of jurisdiction. Victims of domestic violence should be able to freely choose the location for court proceedings in future. This is intended to prevent victims from being traced by their ex-partners, Hubig emphasised.
The justice minister also reiterated her support for a change to sexual criminal law. She can envisage introducing the so-called "Yes means Yes" rule, under which sexual acts are only lawful if all parties explicitly consent. Current sexual criminal law has so far followed the principle of "No means No".
Source: Tagesschau