Divorce without Judges? France Puts Plan Forward

France is putting together a plan to allow divorces by mutual consent to proceed without a judge, simplifying a process that some critics say is already too easy.

Social Affairs Minister Dominique Bertinotti confirmed the plan on Friday, telling BFM-TV that "simplification is a good thing."

Under the proposal, a court clerk could approve divorces when both spouses agree.

According to the Le Figaro newspaper, divorcing couples in agreement spend an average of only eight minutes before a judge now.

Bertinotti said court clerks are highly trained in the law and could handle those cases, freeing up judges for trickier breakups.

Bertinotti added: "One couple in two will divorce. Do we have to make it more difficult?"

Opponents noted the plan will further weaken the institution of marriage.