At the moment, if people have been separated for less than two years and want to divorce one has to blame the other. They either have to say the other person has committed adultery or that they have behaved unreasonably, and give reasons. Under the proposed changes, there will no longer be a requirement to blame the other person.
A bill introducing 'no-fault' divorces in England and Wales has been backed by MPs.
It passed its first hurdle in the Commons by 231 votes to 16 against, following a debate.
Currently, in order to start divorce proceedings immediately, one spouse has to allege adultery, unreasonable behaviour or desertion has taken place.