As reported early this morning, Justice Secretary David Gauke has confirmed new legislation will be introduced which will scrap the ability of a partner to contest divorce and allow divorcing spouses to state that the marriage has broken down irretrievably without allocating blame.
Graham Coy, Partner at the Stowe Family Law London Chancery Lane office joins us to share his initial thoughts on this announcement this morning.
“50 years after the law was last changed, the Government is announcing today radical changes to the way in which couples can bring to an end their marriage.
Hopefully, this will also apply to civil partnerships.
The need to “blame” the other husband or wife will be abolished. 60% of all divorces are based upon blame at the moment.
Instead, one or both parties will be able to give one another and the court that their marriage has broken down irretrievably.
It will be impossible to resist or defend the divorce process.
The divorce will be finalised no earlier than 6 months later.
The details of the reform are not known as yet but this is a major step forward in making what is a very difficult period in the life of so many families far less stressful.
The children involved will also benefit as a result of the decrease in anger, tension and acrimony between their parents.
A major and welcome social reform.”
