No-fault divorces were set to come into force in 2020.
Parliament has agreed the terms of the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 but, due to delays in parliamentary business resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic, the new Act has sadly not yet made it onto the statute books.
The new no fault divorce laws are now not due to receive Royal Assent – meaning they will become law – in autumn 2021.
So, what does this mean for couples who are seeking a divorce in the months ahead?
Under current rules, a person petitioning for divorce must provide one of five reasons to demonstrate that their marriage has broken down irretrievably.
These include: adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion for at least two years, two years’ separation with the consent of both parties or five years’ separation if contested.
Despite the current divorce laws, it is still possible to deal with separation and divorce amicably.
Even with current Covid-19 social distancing restrictions, round table discussions can be arranged via video conference meetings, allowing couples to work through the practical matters that need to be resolved.
Our Family Law practitioners are members of Resolution and comply with the Resolution Code of Practice.
We aim to offer both legal and practical advice, in what may be a particularly difficult time in your life.
