No more blame but challenges remain for divorcing couples

When the clock finally chimed for no-fault divorce, courts saw a surge in petitions. Some 3,000 applications were made in the first week, compared with a weekly average of 2,000.

The new Act allows married couples to divorce without assigning blame. Only a statement of irretrievable breakdown is needed, and it also makes it possible to file jointly.

However, the 26-week period runs from the date the petition is filed, not from when proceedings are served on the respondent, which could mean someone finds themselves with little opportunity to take legal advice.

Said Steve Fordham of Nicholsons: "Being able to apply for a no-fault divorce is a huge step forward, but we see opportunities to reform the process by which financial arrangements and childcare provision are made on divorce."

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