New law requiring 30-day waiting period for divorces raises concerns among young people about marriage
In the first quarter of 2021, China saw a dramatic 70% drop in divorces, following the implementation of a controversial “cooling-off” period law. According to data from the Ministry of Civil Affairs, only 296,000 divorces were registered in the first three months of the year, compared to over a million in the previous quarter and the same period last year.
The new law, which came into effect in January, mandates a 30-day waiting period for couples seeking a divorce. During this time, if couples fail to attend two appointments within 30 to 60 days after applying, their application is automatically cancelled. The law is part of a broader civil code overhaul, designed to promote traditional family values and slow the rise in divorce rates. However, it has sparked concern, especially regarding the potential impact on cases involving domestic violence.
While the law aims to reduce divorce rates, it has also led to some young people reconsidering marriage altogether. Critics argue that the law’s restrictive measures may drive more individuals to avoid entering marriage, given the additional hurdles involved.