In a perfect world, creditors would stop all contact with a debtor once they are informed that the debtor has hired representation. Between 1973 and 1977 a particular procedure” was introduced to allow undefended divorces to be granted with simplicity, pace and economy. Underneath this procedure, the district judge examines the papers and affidavits submitted by the events. Until these give any reason for doubting that the marriage has irretrievably broken down, the district choose grants a decree of divorce with a minimum of ritual – the parties needn’t even attend – and the only public a part of the trial is the announcement of the decree in open court docket. This special process” has now turn into the norm, and defended divorces are these days very uncommon: in 1990 there were only four decrees of divorce following a defended action, in contrast with one hundred fifty 000 granted via …
