The number of people applying to get divorced is now at its highest in ten years. It’s feared that the cost of living puts marriages under financial strain. That contrasts starkly with 2021 having the lowest level of divorces for twenty years. This increase is also being put down to Read more…
In a recent BBC Radio 4 interview, Sir Andrew McFarlane’s frustration was palpable. This reflected the view of many of his colleagues and family professionals about the number of parents ending up in the court system. In 2020, a report by the Family Solutions Group found the family justice Read more…
The Office for National Statistics has published divorce statistics for last year. There was a 9% increase in divorces granted in England and Wales compared with 2020. However, this could reflect catch-up from the pandemic) Women were more likely to petition in opposite-sex couples than men. (63 per cent versus Read more…
Couples going through a divorce may soon have to use mediation rather than take their case to court. Under new plans—currently being drawn up by the government—they will also be ordered to pay their partners’ costs if they turn down a reasonable settlement. The decision on mandatory divorce mediation is Read more…
The Ministry of Justice has confirmed it will continue to fund the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme until 1 April 2022. The FMC hopes to confirm the length of the extension soon, but in the meantime, they can confirm that funding is available for vouchers requested so far and that mediators Read more…
Divorce applications increase in the first week of the new law There were three thousand divorce applications in the first week after the introduction of the new Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act, which is a 50% increase on the weekly average. If couples cannot progress with a joint application and Read more…
The biggest shake-up in divorce law for over 50 years has come into force. These groundbreaking reforms introduce the concept of a “no-fault” divorce. The Divorce, Dissolution, and Separation Act (2020) aims to reduce conflict between separating couples. It means that they will no longer have to apportion blame for Read more…
People don’t decide to end a long-term relationship lightly, especially when children are involved. Divorce and separation are two of the most painful life events anyone ever goes through. They can lead people to question everything they thought they knew about themselves and their lives. They are overwhelming. If this Read more…
In the middle of what may be the most difficult time in your life, it can be very difficult to know where to go for help. When you need more support than you have ever needed before, you don’t know who to ask or how you will afford to pay Read more…
The next stage involves exploring the options that are in practice open to you. These will depend very much on your personal circumstances and what is important to your family. You will probably both find it helps if you have a full and honest conversation about each option, including the Read more…