Campaigners slam new no-fault divorce rules
LAWYERS and family groups are at loggerheads over a “no-fault” divorce law that came into force in England and Wales today.
Supporters said it was a “hallelujah moment” for couples but some experts said it did not help children or those in abusive partnerships.
Others fear it will usher in splits that could have been saved by counselling.
And top divorce lawyer and Tory peer Fiona Shackleton said it did not address the “torture” of money issues.
Until now, unless adultery, unreasonable behaviour or desertion could be proved, couples at odds over a divorce had to live apart for five years.
Under the new law, they can cite only irretrievable breakdown, which will be “conclusive evidence” the marriage is over.
The Positive Parenting Alliance said the move was “far from the great leap forward” needed to safeguard the mental health of children involved.
Andrea Williams, of Christian Concern, said: “Marriage matters for our children. This legislation will make life less stable and more chaotic for them.”
Baroness Shackleton who acted for Prince Charles, Prince Andrew and Sir Paul McCartney in their divorces, warned: “The original pain of attributing blame may be removed, but what this act doesn’t do is sort out the money.
“And most of the torture is sorting out the finances.” But Stuart Ruff, of south London and Kent law firm Thackray Williams, said: “It is truly a hallelujah moment and will save couples untold pain of having to blame somebody for divorce.” The law change was partly inspired by Tini Owens, from Worcs.
She lost a battle in 2018 to divorce her mushroom farmer husband after 40 years because he claimed she was just “bored” and refused.
She said yesterday: “No one should have to remain in a loveless marriage or endure a long, drawn-out and expensive court battle to end it.”
Solicitor Sarah Anticoni, of Charles Russell Speechlys, welcomed the end of “blame game” divorces. But she said feelings of loss, grief and anger “may need to be addressed through other services, including counselling”.
The National Family Mediation charity expects a “flood of inquiries”.