In Sweden, a government investigation has proposed changes to divorce waiting periods. Currently, couples who mutually agree to divorce can proceed directly, but if only one party wants a divorce or if children under 16 are involved, there is a six-month waiting period. The investigation, presented earlier this year, suggests removing the waiting period when no children are involved, but keeping it if children are part of the situation.
According to the investigation, one in five couples does not complete the divorce after the waiting period. The investigation did not examine the child perspective, which is the basis for the waiting period when children are involved. It also considered removing the waiting period in cases of domestic violence but decided against it if children are involved, citing a lack of a sufficiently quick and legally secure solution.
The waiting period is problematic in cases of domestic violence and that her party believes it should be abolished.
Equality Minister Nina Larsson of the Liberal Party stated that the waiting period is problematic in cases of domestic violence and that her party believes it should be abolished. The government will now review responses from referral bodies and prepare the issue further.