The law with regards to divorced changed on 6 April 2022.  Since this date, the new legislation has:-

• replaced the ‘five grounds’ for divorce and allowed couples to divorce without assigning blame or fault;
• removed the possibility of contesting the divorce;
• introduced an option for a joint application for divorce;
• changed the terms ‘decree nisi’ to conditional order and ‘decree absolute’ to final order.

Under the current law, in order to divorce one or both parties must believe that there has been an irretrievable breakdown in the marriage however this need not be evidenced by the five grounds (adultery, unreasonable behaviour, 2 years separation with consent, 5 years separation without consent or desertion) as under the old law.  This therefore stops either party having to blame the other party for the divorce and allows couples to split in a more amicable manner which reduces the cost, time and stress for everyone involved.

It is also possible under the new law to make a joint application for divorce or dissolution.

Further, new time scales have also been introduced under the new law which will mean that most couples will need to wait at least 6 months for their divorce or dissolution to be finalised. This time is intended to give both parties time to reflect and fully consider the divorce.

It is important that during this time couples look to put arrangements in place to divide their finances and if the couple have children, agree on child arrangements.

If you seek legal advice regarding your divorce then get in touch with our family solicitors who can assist you.

Please call us on 0151 236 1234, request a callback at your convenience or email us your enquiry.