Will Divorce Reform be a Victim of Brexit?
As I mentioned in a previous post, there has always been a chance that the ‘Divorce Dissolution and Separation Bill’ would not become law.
This is the proposed Act of Parliament which would introduce no fault divorce. Although it has widespread support, at the moment it looks as if it will not make it through Parliament in the present session – with everything else that is going on.
Another proposed change to family law is in the same position – a suggested reform to the way people representing themselves in court can cross examine their former partner. Sir James Munby, who recently retired as President of the Family Division (i.e. the most senior family law judge in the country) spoke out in support of the idea that if that reform does not get through Parliament in this session it should be given priority next time around. His comments were picked up in the media, but he did not mention divorce reform. I suppose even Sir James is lucky to get five seconds in the media spotlight, and has to use the time carefully.
It will be a shame if the divorce reform Bill ends up in the pile of Bills that never quite made it, alongside the previous attempt to introduce no fault divorce in the Family Law Act 1996.
But if that happens, hopefully we will be able to revive it more quickly this time around?
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.
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