It has recently been announced by Government Ministers that married couples will be able to divorce without assigning blame as of next year. The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 will come into force in April 2022 and will enable the first no fault divorces from 6 April next year.
This date is a bit later than originally expected but we now have certainty over the introduction of this reform and a definitive date to work towards. The current law requires one party to rely on the other person’s adultery or their behaviour in order to obtain an immediate divorce. Apportioning blame does not set the parties on the right path when it comes to entering into constructive negotiations to try and resolve their financial matters. Following these changes, we are hopeful that it will mean that there will be less acrimony and bitterness and a more amicable process for both parties which will save considerable expense, both emotionally and financially.
The new law will also remove the possibility of contesting a divorce, introduce the option of a joint application and replace the five current grounds for separation with a requirement to provide a statement confirming that the marriage has broken down irretrievably.
