Uzbekistan has put forward a new draft law for public discussion aimed at overhauling family legislation. The proposal includes extending the mandatory reconciliation period for divorcing couples from six months to one year. This change is designed to allow for a more thorough examination of family conflicts and increase the chances of preserving marriages, addressing concerns that current practices often lead to formalized divorces without adequate mediation.
The draft law also seeks to restrict divorce for couples married for less than a year, permitting it only in exceptional cases such as documented instances of domestic violence. This measure is part of broader efforts to strengthen family unity and curb hasty dissolutions, reflecting a societal push towards more stable marital foundations amid rising divorce rates.
Significant provisions to enhance child protection are included in the document. Key proposals involve setting a minimum alimony payment not lower than the basic consumer expenditure level, mandating the opening of bank accounts in children's names for alimony transfers, and clarifying procedures for determining child residency and visitation rights with non-custodial parents. These steps aim to safeguard children's welfare in divorce proceedings.
The introduction of electronic interaction between government agencies, particularly in handling divorce cases, is expected to streamline administrative processes and reduce bureaucratic delays. Additionally, the expansion of prenuptial agreement options is intended to help couples manage property and financial matters more effectively, promoting transparency and reducing post-divorce disputes.
In justifying the reforms, authorities cited that existing practices often fail to fully address the root causes of family disputes, leading to superficial divorce settlements. The extended reconciliation period is anticipated to bolster the role of family counseling services. As noted by Nodira Khakimova, Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration, these measures coincide with intensified initiatives to combat domestic violence, responding to negative statistical trends in recent years and aiming to foster a societal intolerance towards such abuses.
Source: kun.uz