4/12 (Sat.) Divorce and alimony rules in Taiwan is going to change (Host: Julia Ho)

[JuliaHo]

Divorce and alimony rules in Taiwan is going to change (Host: Julia Ho)

Cabinet approves amendments to divorce, alimony regulations
https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202502200007

Cabinet approves Taiwan divorce draft amendment
https://taiwannews.com.tw/news/6042307


Session 1
1. The article proposes that a spouse can file for divorce if the couple has been separated for three years within a five-year period. What are your initial thoughts on this change? Does this feel like a reasonable timeframe, too long, or too short?

2. How might this new ground for divorce impact individuals who feel trapped in a marriage but might not have grounds like abuse or infidelity?

3. The Constitutional Court found it "overly stringent" to prevent the "responsible" party ( who is responsible for the marriage's breakdown) from ever seeking a divorce. Do you agree with this assessment? Why or why not?

4. What are the potential emotional and psychological implications for both parties when the "responsible" party can initiate divorce after a certain period?

Session 2
1. The proposal aims to remove the "no fault" requirement for alimony (Currently, the Civil Code stipulates that a party involved in a divorce can seek alimony only if they are undergoing a judicial decree of divorce and are not at fault.) What are your thoughts on this shift? Should financial support after divorce be tied to who was "at fault"?

2. Do you think this change could lead to more or fewer disputes regarding alimony settlements?

3. The amendment proposes allowing alimony for "reduced employment opportunities." How relevant do you think this is in today's society, considering factors like career breaks for childcare or supporting a partner's career?

4. The proposal introduces a two-year time limit to apply for alimony, and states that alimony would end upon remarriage. What are your perspectives on these limitations? Are they fair and reasonable?

5. Considering all these proposed amendments, what is your overall impression of Taiwan's divorce and alimony regulations are heading? Do you think these changes will ultimately lead to a fairer and more just system for individuals going through divorce?

Agenda:
3:45 ~ 4:00pm Greetings & Free Talk / Ordering Beverage or Meal / Getting Newcomer’s Information
4:00 ~ 4:10pm Opening Remarks / Newcomer’s Self-introduction / Grouping
(Session I)
4:10 ~ 4:50pm Discussion Session (40 mins)
4:50 ~ 5:10pm Summarization (20 mins)
5:10 ~ 5:15pm Regrouping / Instruction Giving / Taking a 10 Minutes Break (Intermission)
(Session II)
5:15 ~ 5:55pm Discussion Session (40 mins)
6:00 ~ 6:20pm Summarization (20 mins)
6:20 ~ 6:30pm Concluding Remarks / Announcements

Meeting Date: As shown on the Subject Line
Meeting Time: 4:10pm – 6:30pm
Meeting Venue: 丹堤咖啡 Dante Coffee (Minimum Order $80)
Address: 台北市濟南路三段25號[MAP]-捷運忠孝新生站3號出口步行3分鐘

Important Notes:
1. We advise participants to print out the discussion questions and bring them to the meeting for reference. As for the supporting articles, feel free to print them out, as well, according to your preference.
2. We suggest that participants read the articles and think about the questions in advance.
3. Newcomers should prepare a two-to-three minute self-introduction in English to deliver when called upon by the host before the start of the discussion. The host may also ask you to give brief feedback about the meeting at the conclusion of the meeting.
4. We conduct the entire meeting in English. All participants should have at least moderate English-conversation skills and be able to articulate your ideas for each discussion question.
5. We welcome newcomers and other guests to attend the meetings and join the discussion freely for two times. After that, we hope you will consider becoming a YoYo English Club member. We charge a NT$1500 lifetime membership fee, or NT$1000 for students.

[Luis Ko]

first of all, it's really a good topic, if not great, a bit controversial i would say. then again, i don't quite get this,

"The amendment also removes rarely applied grounds for divorce, such as incurable illness, severe mental illness, and cases where one spouse has been missing for three years. It further eases judicial divorce requirements, allowing both at-fault and faultless spouses to file for divorce."

it kinda confuses me. anyway, hope i will find out the answer during the meeting lo~

[Luis Ko]

first of all, it's really a good topic, if not great, a bit controversial i would say. then again, i don't quite get this,

"The amendment also removes rarely applied grounds for divorce, such as incurable illness, severe mental illness, and cases where one spouse has been missing for three years. It further eases judicial divorce requirements, allowing both at-fault and faultless spouses to file for divorce."

it kinda confuses me. anyway, hope i will find out the answer during the meeting lo~

I have got my answers. Many thanks to Julia for this very important, I mean informative meeting, though it's not relevant to me at all.