No-fault divorce law
No-fault divorce looks set to become law next year after the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill was passed in the House of Commons on 17 June 2020.
This represents the biggest reform of divorce laws in over fifty years.
The reforms will mean that divorcing couples will no longer have to assign blame in order to end their marriages. There may well still be a period of separation required but as yet the details of this are unknown.
There is no implementation date fixed as yet, but it is very much hoped that it will be effective in 2021.
The current law dating back to 1973 requires a couple seeking an immediate divorce in England and Wales to blame one of them for the marriage breakdown, citing adultery or behaviour. The current arrangements for a blame-free divorce mean couples must spend a minimum of two years separated before being able to commence proceedings. It is envisaged that this will be significantly reduced under the new legislation.
The family law practitioners at GA Solicitors are amongst many who believe that the current law exacerbates tensions between separating couples and often clouds their ability to resolve matters as constructively and amicably as possible, minimising the impact on any children they may have.
If you need help with any family issue please telephone for a no-obligation, supportive discussion with one of the team.