§ Q36. Sir David Priceasked the Prime Minister what attention is being given to marriage guidance and reconciliation in the Government's consideration of divorce law reform.
§ The Prime MinisterMarriage guidance or counselling prior to the celebration of marriage or during marriage or divorce is not a matter which arises in connection with divorce law reform, but encouragement is given to the various counselling and guidance facilities available. After the commencement of divorce proceedings the duties of the court and legal advisers to the parties are laid down by section 6 of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973. Conciliation services whether in court or out of court are always encouraged to consider the possibilities of reconciliation. Research is currently being commissioned as to the relative value of the various models of these services available to the parties to a marriage threatened by divorce proceedings.