Phenomenon of Divorce in the Modern World

Abstract

In this paper, the author analyses the institute of divorce in the modern world. Given the fact that the institute of divorce is inseparable from the institute of marriage, in the introductory part the author points out to the specific characteristics of marriage in the contemporary society and discusses some factors which are presently perceived as the primary causes of instability of marital relations. In the central part of the article, the author provides an overview of divorce legislation in some European countries which are traditionally used as role models in the field of regulating family relations, thereupon focusing on the applicable divorce law in Serbia. In particular, the author looks into the process of liberalization of divorce legislation and examines its impact on the growing divorce rate in the contemporary societies.

Key words: divorce, marriage, spouses, modern world, contemporary law.