New Zealand exempts abuse victims from a forced two-year wait before they can seek divorce

Associated Press

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Victims of domestic violence in New Zealand will be allowed to cut ties to abusive spouses more quickly after lawmakers unanimously voted Wednesday to exempt them from a mandatory two-year separation period before divorce can be sought. The required cooling-off period before a couple in New Zealand can file for divorce, during which they must also live apart, is the longest compared to no-fault divorce laws in countries such as Australia, Britain, Canada and most states in the U.S. Wednesday’s change means a victim of abuse can seek dissolution of their marriage or civil partnership as soon as a protection order against their spouse is granted.