The introduction from 6 April 2022 of the No Fault Divorce has already been welcomed by many as a much more amicable way to divorce. This is the biggest reform in Divorce Law since the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973. Previously, divorcing couples had to assert blame or one of the following reasons:

• You have been separated for at least 2 years, and your partner consents.
• You have been separated for at least 5 years, and your partner’s consent is not required.
• Your partner has committed adultery.
• Unreasonable behaviour in that your partner has behaved in such a manner that you cannot reasonably be expected to live with them.
• Desertion in that your partner has left you for at least two years prior to applying for a divorce.

The reliance on citing behaviour if the parties had not been separated for at least two years meant that couples were previously forced to assign blame. This was potentially highly antagonistic, and could prolong the divorce process and increase the expense. This is why the no-fault divorce is such an important move in the modernization of the family law system, and one that we as professionals have warmly welcomed The new law allows couples to separate without having to apportion blame within the divorce document, and without having to wait at least two years before they can divorce.

To speak to one of our divorce specialists about how they can help you in your situation and how the no-fault divorce works, contact us today on 03331 212345 or email us on info@betteridges.com