What significant change occurred in the Divorce Act in 1985?

In 1985, the Divorce Act in Canada underwent a significant transformation with the introduction of no-fault divorce. Prior to this change, couples seeking a divorce were required to prove wrongdoing or fault by one party, such as adultery or abuse. The introduction of no-fault divorce eliminated the need to assign blame, allowing couples to divorce based on the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. This shift reflected a broader societal change towards a more progressive understanding of marriage and divorce, recognizing that relationships can fail for a variety of complex reasons that do not necessarily involve fault.

No-fault divorce facilitated a more amicable process for splitting up, as it allowed couples to separate without the adversarial nature typically associated with proving fault. Additionally, it has had practical implications on how divorce is handled in courts, reducing the emotional burden and potential for conflict that could arise from assigning blame. This reform made divorce more accessible and less stigmatized, aligning legal practices with contemporary societal values surrounding marriage and family dynamics.