By Brenda Spain, Head of Family Law team

The second reading of the Divorce Dissolution and Resolution Bill took place yesterday moving no fault divorces a step closer.

There is still some way to go but if introduced it will reform Divorce Law in England and Wales removing the element of blame and replacing it with irretrievable breakdown only.

Where couples are in agreement that their marriage is at an end, they will be able to jointly petition the court.

There will be a minimum period of six months between lodging the petition and it being finalised.

Terminology is also likely to change removing Decree Nisi and Decree Absolute and replacing it with Conditional and Final Orders. 

While groups like Resolution have campaigned for no fault divorces for some time, the decision in the much-published case of Owen-v-Owen cast further light on the issue once again. This has now moved one stage further towards radically amending Divorce Laws in England and Wales.

If you would like any further information about our Family Law services, please contact a member of the Family Law team on 01244 356 789 or email info@cullimoredutton.co.uk.

Please note: This is not legal advice; it is intended to provide information of general interest about current legal issues.