No-fault divorces are to be introduced into law.
Justice Secretary, David Gauke, confirmed he will bring in legislation enacting the reform in the next session of parliament, removing the need for separating couples to wait for years or allocate blame for the collapse of their relationship.
Under the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 in England and Wales, anyone seeking a divorce must either prove their partner is at fault through adultery, desertion or unreasonable behaviour, or if both sides agree, they can part after two years of separation. In the absence of consent or evidence of fault, applicants must wait until they have been living apart for five years.
Following a consultation last year on reforming the law, widespread support was shown for the initiative. The Justice Secretary told the Times the responses to the consultation were “overwhelmingly in support, which is why I remain as convinced as I have been for the need to reform this particular area”.
