The government's bill proposing amendments to the divorce law has been published and proposes a reduction in waiting times that people must adhere to before filing for divorce.

The bill creates a distinction in the time period one must wait before filing for divorce between couples who are already legally seperated and those who are just no longer living together as a married couple, the government said.

It is also being proposed for the first time that there be a distinction in the wait time period for those not legally seperated in requesting a divorce, depending on whether the request is made by both parties or unilaterally.

The new bill amending the divorce law proposes that, where a couple is already legally seperated through a court sentence or contract, there should be no waiting period for them to be able to request a divorce.

Where parties are only de facto seperated, and the request for divorce is made by both parties together, on the date of commencement of the divorce proceedings, the spouses shall have lived apart for a period of, or periods that amount to, at least 6 months out of the preceding year. Where the request is filed by one party against the other, on the date of commencement of the divorce proceedings, the spouses shall have lived apart for a period of, or periods that amount to, at least one year out of the preceding two years.

The bill was tabled in Parliament on Wednesday.

Justice Minister Edward Zammit Lewis said that the changes as proposed are necessary changes that respect the private lives of individuals and families.

Parliamentary Secretary Rosianne Cutajar said that the government remains committed to implementing the necessary reforms and changes so that everyone canb live in a country where their civil rights are protected.