We have been following the progress though Parliament of the piece of legislation that will introduce no fault divorce.
It has now made it through the final stage in the House of Commons. It has to go back to the House of Lords for a review of one possible amendment, but it is pretty much certain to become law very soon.
The forms and detailed rules about procedure still have to be finalised and they will need to make changes to the government website before it is made available.
So it is likely that no fault divorce will become possible in England and Wales the autumn of 2021.
The other change is that it will become possible for couples to apply jointly for a divorce. Under present rules one of them has to be the petitioner and the other has to be the respondent, even where they are divorcing by agreement.
Most divorce lawyers welcome these changes, which we have supported for almost 30 years.
John Pratley is an expert divorce lawyer, who has more than 25 years experience advising clients purely about divorce and related family law issues, such as the financial consequences of separating and divorcing. After establishing the first niche family law practice in Bristol, and going on to senior management roles in a national firm, John set up Apple Tree Family Law in 2018. Apple tree family Law solicitors specialise in advice about divorce and financial issues.
We are based in Bristol and Exeter, but we have clients all over the UK and further afield. We offer, simply, clear and accurate advice about divorce and family law issues, and the very best client service, for a clear and reasonable price.