Divorce overhaul 'to save families'

Divorcing couples are to be charged a fee to arrange child maintenance payments.

The plans, due to be unveiled by the Government this week, aim to reduce Britain's divorce rate, which is among Europe's highest.

But critics claim it could deter women in abusive relationships from leaving their husbands. Families minister Maria Miller is expected to announce an overhaul of the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission, with a focus on keeping families together.

Ministers also plan to introduce a couples counselling programme in which the consequences of divorce are discussed. The project has been successful in Norway.