'Easy' Divorce during WW2

[Kriti]

Somewhere, sometime I read about serving soldiers,sailors and airmen, getting easy divorces from adulterous wives while they were away from England fighting. I have a vague recollection that it was called a "pay-packet divorce" or something like that.

I can't find anything on this, but I really hope I'm not dreaming.

Can somebody please help?

[mofid42]

Not sure if its the same thing but in last nights WDYTYA they mentioned a "Poor Persons" divorce which was intended for those who would not normally be able to afford a conventional divorce.

I have a copy of the bill for my grandfathers divorce in 1943, which cost several hundred pounds. He was lucky enough to be in a position to afford to pay.

[stanmapstone]

According to http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafletID=53 the very poor could sue without payment of fees ‘in forma pauperis’ if they could prove their lack of means.
The real opening of divorce to all classes did not take place until the 1920s, with the extension of legal aid, and the provision of some local facilities. Eligibility for legal aid  made a difference on the divorce rate and who was petitioning for it. In 1949 legal aid was made available to those who had a disposable income of less than £420 per annum and whose disposable capital did not exceed £500. (The Legal Aid and Advice Act 1949)

Stan