Quick tip – Adultery may not have been the real ground for divorce

Until 1971, adultery was one of the few grounds that the law recognized to grant a divorce. Many people who found themselves incompatible lied about having an affair to be able to get a divorce. So if your ancestors were divorced and you find ‘overspel’ [adultery] listed as the ground in the divorce proceedings, it may not have been the truth. The real reason is probably not recorded.

The neglected wife encourages her husband to sort himself out

The neglected wife encourages her husband to sort himself out. Credits: Tyne & Wear Archives & Museum (no known copyrights)

 

About Yvette Hoitink

Yvette Hoitink, CG®, QG™ is a professional genealogist in the Netherlands. She holds the Certified Genealogist credential from the Board for Certification of Genealogists and has a post-graduate diploma in Family and Local History from the University of Dundee. She has been doing genealogy for over 30 years and helps people from across the world find their ancestors in the Netherlands. Read about Yvette's professional genealogy services.

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