Story: Divorce and separation

Grounds for divorce over time

The grounds for divorce expanded in the late 19th century and through most of the 20th century, then abruptly shrank in 1980. A sample of the grounds for divorce in 1867, 1898 and 1980 can be seen in this diagram (to ensure readability, not all new grounds have been included).

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Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand

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How to cite this page:

Megan Cook, 'Divorce and separation - 19th-century divorce and desertion', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/interactive/29827/grounds-for-divorce-over-time (accessed 28 May 2023)

Story by Megan Cook, published 5 May 2011, reviewed & revised 8 Nov 2018