Family Law

Nigel Shepherd, National Chair of Resolution, has called on the major political parties to commit to modernising family justice in their manifesto.

Resolution, which represents around 6,500 family justice professionals committed to the constructive resolution of family disputes and issues, makes four proposals, which it claims 'will make a huge, positive difference to the lives of the hundreds of thousands of people that separate each year'.

In a letter to each of the major parties, Mr Shepherd calls on them to make a commitment in the next Parliament to:

1. Allow couples to divorce without blame.
2. Give cohabiting couples, who make up 10% of the population, some basic legal rights.
3. Ensure there is fair access to the family justice system.
4. Give people more financial clarity on divorce.

Resolution has been leading recent calls in Parliament and the media for no fault divorce, including a major Lobby Day in Westminster last November.

In his letter, Mr Shepherd states that 'current divorce law does not encourage couples to divorce amicably” and that “people often have to cite unreasonable behaviour or adultery on the divorce petition'.

Resolution claims this situation leads to unnecessary conflict, makes an amicable separation less likely, and reduces the chances of reaching agreement on children and financial issues.

Mr Shepherd proposes that current legislation is changed to allow for a divorce to be 'finalised where one or both of the parties to a marriage give notice that their marriage has broken down irretrievably and one or both of them are still of that view after six months'. He adds that 'separating couples would be supported by information to help them explore whether the marriage can be saved and/or on the different process options available to them, as well as parenting information'.

In the letter, Resolution cites public support for a change in the law to allow for no fault divorce – a recent YouGov poll that found 69% agreed that people should be allowed to divorce without blame.

Mr Shepherd said:

'It’s time to end the blame game. A new Parliament is a perfect opportunity for politicians to finally act on no fault divorce, regardless of the outcome on June 8th.

This is why I have written to all major parties calling on them to make a clear commitment to modernise family law on this and other key issues for our members, such as rights for cohabiting couples, fair access to the justice system and financial clarity on divorce.

For too long, the family justice system and family law has been out of step with modern society. These measures would not only bring make the law fit for purpose in the 21st Century, they would also make an immeasurable difference to hundreds of thousands of people who face divorce and separation each year – as well as any children they may have.

As parliamentary candidates now head out to knock on doors, Resolution encourages anyone working in the family justice sector to ask them to support our call for change. Together we can send a clear message to the next Parliament that it’s time to modernise family law.'

Click here to read the full text of Mr Shepherd's letter.

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