A second reading of the No Fault Divorce Bill, introduced by Conservative MP Richard Bacon, will happen in the next session of parliament, sitting May 18th.
The proposal would make fundamental changes to both the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 and the Civil Partnership Act 2004, adding the option of divorcing or separating with no blame attached to either party. There would be no requirement to attribute fault. If the bill was passed, the UK would join Australia, Spain, Sweden and Canada as a country which offers no-fault divorces.
The current system means that fault must be placed on one of the parties, which can increase conflict during the divorce process and damage relationships between divorcing couples even further.
Family Law Group Resolution recently backed the bill, based on research by the group which revealed up to 27% of divorcing couples are forced to make false allegations to court about adultery or unreasonable behaviour in order to get their divorce granted.
Divorces can currently be granted on breakdown of marriage based on adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion or an extended separation.
It is argued that an introduction of a no fault clause would save time and money in the current family court system, alongside providing couples with the option to divorce peacefully and amicably.
The bill will continue to be debated in parliament.Â
For family law advice in Oldham, Manchester and the North West, contact the experts on 0161 665 3502 or contact us online.Â
