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/ 28 Jun 2019

No fault Divorce gets closer

Since our Thursday, April 25th, 2019 blog, The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill was introduced in the House of Commons on 13 June 2019 as Bill 404 of 2017-19.

 

What is the Bill trying to achieve?

The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill seeks to:

  • replace the requirement to provide evidence of conduct or separation facts with a new requirement to provide a statement of irretrievable breakdown;
  • remove the possibility of contesting the decision to divorce, as the statement of irretrievable breakdown would be taken as conclusive evidence that the marriage has broken down irretrievably;
  • introduce a new option of a joint application;
  • introduce a minimum overall timeframe of six months into the divorce process;
  • enable the Lord Chancellor, by order, to adjust the time periods;
  • update terminology.

The law relating to judicial separation, and to dissolution of civil partnership and separation of civil partners, would be amended in a similar way.

How is it progressing?

The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill was debated at a second reading on Tuesday 25 June 2019 and has now been referred to the Public Bill Committee to be scrutinised on Tuesday 2 July 2019. The Committee is expected to report by Thursday 4 July 2019 so watch this space!

If you have any questions about Divorce please call and ask to speak to one of Hanne & Co’s Family & Divorce Team

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