'No-Fault' Divorce became law on 6th April 2022
New 'no-fault' divorce laws were enacted on 6th April 2022. On the same day FNF were interviewed by the BBC. The discussion starts at 1:04:10 with our contribution at 1:06:23.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m00160c5 (available until 4th May 2022).
At the edges, the new legislation will reduce conflict. However, it is our view that this needs to be just the start of reform of the way family separation works.
The conditions for child arrangements contribute to conflict
- child benefits go to one parent
- so does Child Maintenance even when care is shared
- family courts take too long to resolve things
- allegations of domestic abuse are a pre-condition to receiving legal aid
The motivations that add to attempts at blame and discrediting an ex partner exist in the same way when in comes to children as in relation to divorce. In any case, given that 49% of children are born outside of marriage*, the easing of conflict in divorce does not affect a substantial proportion of parents who are not married.
You can read more about, what is officially called 'The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act (2020)' in the Government's official Press Release: “Blame game” ends as no-fault divorce.
* Births in England and Wales: summary tables - 2020 dataset - Table 1
16th April 2022
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