Legal Update: No Fault Divorce – the end of the blame game.

The Government have confirmed that the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 (“the Act”) will come into force on 6 April 2022.  As explained in our previous blog titled ‘No Fault Divorce’, https://www.prince-evans.co.uk/2021/03/24/no-fault-divorce-2-2/, the Act will allow married couples to divorce without the need to assign blame.

It was originally suggested that the Act would come into force in the autumn.  However, Chris Philp MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice, has acknowledged that “this was an ambitious timetable” and that “while this delay is unfortunate it is essential that we take the time to get this right”. 

Following the Royal Assent of the Act on 25 June 2020, the government has worked with the Family Procedure Rule Committee to identify what procedural changes are necessary.  At the same time, officials have been planning and constructing the required amendments to family court forms, the online digital divorce service, and the information found on gov.uk.

While it is disappointing that the introduction of the Act has been delayed, it is positive that we do now have certainty as to when it will be implemented and thus can advise our clients accordingly.

You can read Chris Philp MP’s full statement at https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2021-05-25/7278.

At Prince Evans we can advise you on every aspect of your divorce.  To find out more, call us today for a free initial consultation.