The progress of the Act of Parliament, which will introduce no fault divorce, has been followed in this blog. It is now on its last stage through the House of Commons. If it is approved it may receive the Royal assent and so become law within a few days.
There are those who object to no fault divorce in principle and I respect their views, but solicitors and other professionals who meet divorcing couples every day of our working lives are generally very much in support.
The Law Society President, speaking on behalf of the solicitors’ professional body, has suggested that the process should be amended so that the decree absolute (the court order which actually dissolves the marriage) should be delayed until any pension sharing order has been implemented. Other commentators have suggested that the respondent to the divorce should be able to hold it up whilst other financial issues are agreed. There are arguments for and against both those points, but they seek to address other problems, and this is probably not the time to raise them, because they risk derailing the whole reform.
Although no fault divorce may become law in a matter of days it will be weeks or months before the court processes are changed so that it actually becomes available
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.
Comments