Matrimonial Proceedings and Property Act 1970

The Matrimonial Proceedings and Property Act 1970 (c. 45) is an act of Parliament of the United Kingdom concerning court cases between married people.

Matrimonial Proceedings and Property Act 1970

Act of Parliament
Parliament of the United Kingdom
Long title	An Act to make fresh provision for empowering the court in matrimonial proceedings to make orders ordering either spouse to make financial provision for, or transfer property to, the other spouse or a child of the family, orders for the variation of ante-nuptial and post-nuptial settlements, orders for the custody and education of children and orders varying, discharging or suspending orders made in such proceedings; to make other amendments of the law relating to matrimonial proceedings; to abolish the right to claim restitution of conjugal rights; to declare what interest in property is acquired by a spouse who contributes to its improvement; to make provision as to a spouse's rights of occupation under section 1 of the Matrimonial Homes Act 1967 in certain cases; to extend section 17 of the Married Women's Property Act 1882 and section 7 of the Matrimonial Causes (Property and Maintenance) Act 1958; to amend the law about the property of a person whose marriage is the subject of a decree of judicial separation dying intestate; to abolish the agency of necessity of a wife; and for purposes connected with the matters aforesaid.
Citation	1970 c. 45
Dates
Royal assent	29 May 1970
Status: Amended
Text of statute as originally enacted
Revised text of statute as amended

Contents

The most important remaining provision is that under section 37 a court has power to vary the shares of equity in a home of a husband and wife to the extent it views to be just.

See also

• English land law
• English property law
• Civil Partnership Act 2004 ss 65, 66, 72 and Schs 5-7