As reported by the BBC, more than 100,000 opposite-sex, and 822 same-sex couples divorced in England and Wales in 2019. The rate for opposite-sex couples, 8.9 divorces per 1,000 married people, is the highest level of divorces in five years, according to data from the Office for National Statistics.* The average marriage lasted for 12.3 years.
Good Divorce Week, organised by family justice professional member network Resolution, runs from 30 November – 4 December and aims to positively campaign to raise awareness of policy issues affecting family law.
Richard Dilks, Hatch Brenner Solicitors Divorce Lawyer commented: “Given the rates of divorce shown by these latest figures, there cannot be a better time to use Good Divorce Week to champion ‘a better way’ for couples going through the breakdown of a relationship. During what is inevitably a difficult time for couples, the family justice community can help to provide a measured approach which offers clear information about the legal position of each party, and helps put the best interests of any children involved at the forefront.”
Resolution have lead the campaign for ‘no-fault divorce’ for the last 30 years. Currently in England and Wales, one party to the separation must blame the other to start divorce proceedings or they must have been separated from each other for two years (with consent) or five years. No-fault divorce/ dissolution means it will no longer be necessary for couples to produce evidence of conduct during divorce or dissolution proceedings.
Richard Dilks, Hatch Brenner Solicitors Divorce Lawyer continued: “I have been a long term supporter of the no-fault divorce campaign – spearheaded by Resolution of which I am a member. The no-fault Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill means that, hopefully from the Autumn of 2021, couples who wish to get divorced will no longer have to point the finger of blame. Minimising the ‘blame game’ which has existed for too long in divorce proceedings will save numerous couples from unnecessary stress, acrimony and legal fees expense.
“2020 has been a difficult year for so many, and it does appear that the pandemic, lockdown and the resultant strain on relationships has and will continue to have an impact. By managing the process with compassion, it can be a positive step for many.”
Resolution is using Good Divorce Week 2020 to highlight best practice amongst family justice professionals. Hatch Brenner upholds the Resolution Code of Practice which promotes a constructive approach to family issues and champions:
- Reducing or managing any conflict and confrontation; for example, by not using inflammatory language.
- Supporting and encouraging families to put the best interests of any children first.
- Acting with honesty, integrity and objectivity.
- Helping clients understand and manage the potential long-term financial and emotional consequences of decisions.
- Listening to and treating everyone with respect and without judgment.
- Using our experience and knowledge to guide clients through the options available to them.
- Continually developing our knowledge and skills.
- Using the Resolution Guides to Good Practice in our day-to-day work.
- And working with other Resolution members to uphold this Code and ensure it is at the heart of everything we do.
If you would like to talk to Richard Dilks about your current circumstances, we offer an initial divorce and civil partnership dissolution meeting up to one hour with a letter of advice for a fixed fee price of £120 inclusive of VAT. We also offer a fixed fee divorce package. Contact 01603 660 811 or email [email protected]
Read more: https://hatchbrenner.co.uk/news/hatch-brenner-welcomes-no-fault-divorce-reform-and-the-end-of-the-blame-game
*107,599 opposite-sex couples divorced in 2019, an increase of 18.4% from 90,871 in 2018. 822 same-sex couples divorced in 2019, compared to 428 in 2018.
Reference: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-54972762