We welcome the Ministry of Justice’s announcement that they will be reforming the current divorce laws. Couples will no longer have to blame each other in order to get divorced.

Whilst married couples can currently divorce on the grounds of separation, this means having to wait 2 or 5 years. 2 years’ separation needs the agreement of both parties – often the hardest thing to achieve. Without the agreement of both parties you currently have to wait for 5 years to be able to divorce on the grounds of separation.

The proposed changes mean parties are not required to provide evidence of behaviour or a period of separation, but instead provide a statement of irretrievable breakdown in the marriage. We hope that it will make it less contentious for divorcing couples and allow them to focus on financial and children matters which are the most important issues. The current divorce laws are old fashioned and do not meet the modern needs of family life; they often cause more acrimony in an already stressful situation.

Further information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-divorce-law-to-end-the-blame-game.

We hope the changes can be implemented swiftly and look forward to assisting separated married couples in a more amicable way.
If you would like legal advice on a family matter contact Hannah Anderson, our Family Solicitor.

Call 01420 82881 or email enquiries@bookersandbolton.co.uk.

We hold free surgeries on Tuesday afternoon and offer a low cost fee for divorce if you are on a low income.

We are proud to serve the community.