01 July 2020
The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill introducing a no fault divorce process has now received Royal Assent bringing the divorce laws into the 21st century.
The Bill removes the existing fault based requirements, offers opportunities for reconciliation and a more simplistic procedure from the current laws. The new legislation will allow one party or as a couple jointly to provide a statement of irretrievable breakdown without the need to cite any blame to the other party, such as unreasonable behaviour or adultery, which is currently the case. There is a requirement of a minimum overall timescale of 6 months from the issue of the Petition, which will give the parties time to reflect and reconcile.
The new legislation will remove one party being able to contest the petition issued by the other party, therefore reducing conflict, protecting children and enabling parties to focus on resolving their financial issues and agreeing arrangements for the children.
There will need to be careful implementation which will be working towards the changes in the law being introduced around Autumn 2021.
This is not legal advice; it is intended to provide information of general interest about current legal issues.
If you require advice in relation to divorce, you should contact Lynne Barton, Nicola Bennetts or Jane Pilcher at Aldridge Brownlee LLP on 01202 294411, Kingsway House, 13 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 3JY, E-Mail: Lynne.Barton@absolicitors.com or Nicola.Bennetts@absolicitors.com or Jane.Pilcher@absolicitors.com for a fixed fee appointment.
