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"As regards the current time limit on divorce early in marriage, the amendments provide for this to be reduced from three years to one year," the spokesman added.
In addition, a new non-adversarial procedure of divorce by mutual consent is introduced based on either one year's prior separation or a one year's period of notice, during which there would be no requirement for separation.
To provide for these changes, amendments have also been made to the Matrimonial Causes Rules, which govern court procedures relating to matrimonial proceedings. Amendments have also been made to the Matrimonial Causes (Fees) Rules to provide for the relevant fees.
The spokesman added that a bilingual leaflet had been published to introduce to the public the main contents of the amendments.
Copies of the leaflets will be available from next Monday at district offices, Family Services Centres, Legal Aid Offices, Divorce Registry, the Marketing Office of the Government Information Services, 17th floor, Siu On Centre, 176-192 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, and other major contact points.
End
New performance pledge for Water Supplies Department
The Director of Water Supplies, Mr Hu Man-shiu, today (Friday) announced the Department's new performance pledge for 1996/97 and its achievements in 1995/96 against the performance targets announced last year.
The new pledge aims to improve the service the Department delivers to customers by enhancing openness and accountability and by developing a client-based culture within the Department.
The performance targets cover mainly the essential services provided by the Department in relation to daily water supply matters and water accounts.
In the past year, the Department had achieved very satisfactory results against the performance targets we announced, said Mr Hu.