The Government has published the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill, which will provide for no fault divorce.
Speaking on the day of publication, Margaret Heathcote, National Chair of Resolution, said:
“We’re delighted that the government is introducing legislation which will help reduce conflict between divorcing couples.
“Every day, our members are helping people through separation, taking a constructive, non-confrontational approach in line with our Code of Practice. However, because of our outdated divorce laws, they’ve been working with one arm tied behind their backs.
“These proposals have the support of the public, politicians, and professionals. We therefore call on MPs and members of the House of Lords to pass this Bill without delay, and end the blame game for divorcing couples as soon as possible.”
Former chair and longtime campaigner for no fault divorce, Nigel Shepherd, added:
“For more than 30 years we’ve been making the case that we need to remove blame from the divorce process. The Bill announced today, once it becomes law, will finally do that.
“Family lawyers across the country have been lobbying their MPs, both in Westminster and in their constituencies, to persuade them of the need for change, and they will welcome this Bill. It will also be welcomed by judges at every level, who have to deal with the fallout from our archaic laws when cases come before them in the courtroom, seeing conflict and confrontation that could have been avoided.
“Recent YouGov polling shows that 71% of the population agrees that no fault divorce is urgently needed to protect the long-term interests of children. Today’s announcement is an important step towards that – MPs and Peers from all sides now need to ensure it becomes law, and we are committed to working with them to make no fault the default.”
Read the full Bill (and associated documents)
Margaret Heathcote was also quoted in the Ministry of Justice press release officially announcing the Bill.