(Source)
China’s Ministry of Civil Affairs released a draft law on Sunday that would simplify marriage registration and refine divorce procedures. The draft proposes important changes existing laws, eliminating the need for family registration documents and allowing couples to register anywhere in the country.
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Cooling-off period: The bill, which is open for public comment until Sept. 11, refines the “30-day cooling-off period” for divorce, which requires both parties to reaffirm their intention after the initial filing. The revision also clarifies the conditions under which a marriage can be annulled, including cases of coercion or failure to disclose serious illness.
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More weddings: The proposed changes appear to be part of a broader strategy to encourage more marriages and increase the country’s declining fertility rate. The proposals have sparked much debate online, with many praising the simplified marriage registration process. However, some have raised concerns about potential identity theft and bigamy due to the removal of the requirement for family registration documents.
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