Counselling plans for couples who want to divorce
By Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 11:40 PM on 12th July 2009

Couples will be encouraged to take marriage classes before tying the knot and will have to have counselling before divorcing under plans being announced today.
A think-tank run by former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith wants to see a Tory government bring in a three-month 'cooling-off' period to prevent ill-thought-out quickie divorces.

Every Family Matters, a report by the Centre for Social Justice, recommends binding pre-nuptial agreements, lower taxes for married couples and an end to the equal legal recognition for cohabiting couples to encourage them to marry.

Mr Duncan Smith says couples could benefit from classes to tackle flashpoints in their marriage.
The report adds: 'Such courses can improve marriage, develop parenting skills and reduce divorce by 30 per cent in the first five years of marriage.'

It calls for Britain to send warring couples to intensive counselling for three months, delaying divorce so they can explore the possibility of reconciliation. There would be exceptions for domestic violence. The report says: 'Marriage is of paramount importance to individuals, children, communities and our nation.'


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