国际英语资讯:News Analysis: Italy considering polarizing new rules for divorce, child custody_时事

国际英语资讯:News Analysis: Italy considering polarizing new rules for divorce, child custody

ROME, Sept. 26 -- Italy, which already has one of Europe's most restrictive set of rules governing divorce, is mulling a set of rules that could make the process even more challenging for those involved.

Divorce only became legal in Italy in 1970, and even now couples who wish to end their marriages can do so only after filing a formal statement on the reasons for the divorce and a trial separation period.

The process of dividing assets is complicated, sometimes including mediation and counseling. Child custody laws generally favor the mother unless she is demonstrably unfit to be a parent.

If the Five-Star Movement -- the populist, anti-establishment party and one of the two parties that make up the Italian government -- has its way the process could become even more onerous.

The Five-Star Movement's proposal, which political analysts say is likely to become law in some form, would eliminate child support payments and remove custody from parents who speak badly about the other parent.

In lieu of child support payments the plan would require the children of divorced parents to spend precisely half the time with each parent, with each parent responsible for expenses incurred while with the child.

If one parent cannot pay for something the child needs, the proposal says, the wealthier parent would pay directly for that expense, rather than handing the money over to the less-wealthy former spouse. The proposal calls this idea "perfect co-parenting".