Getting a divorce will soon become easier in NY

New York, July 2 (ANI): Ending a marriage will soon get easier in New York, as Governor David Paterson is poised to sign no-fault divorce legislation for the city.

On Thursday, the Assembly overwhelmingly approved no-fault divorce, allowing couples to split without one of the spouses taking the blame for the marriage's failure.

"It just gives another option and allows couples to divorce with dignity where right now the system forces one of the members of the couple to be a bad person," the New York Daily News quoted Assemblyman Jonathan Bing (D-Manhattan), the bill's sponsor, as saying.

The Assembly approved the measure 113 to 19. The Senate passed the plan two weeks ago.

A spokesman for Paterson said he will review it, while supporters are optimistic he will sign it.

No-fault supporters, including the state Bar Association, argued the current system causes hardships because it forces couples to endure a one-year trial separation before divorcing - or one spouse must accuse the other of cruel treatment, adultery or abandonment.

However, the state chapter of the National Organization for Women and the Catholic Conference vehemently opposed the legislation.

"It makes it easier to get out of marriage than it is to get out of a cell phone contract," said Catholic Conference spokesman Dennis Poust. (ANI)