For many decades in England and Wales divorce has only been licit in cases of adultery, serious misdemeanour, and desertion. However, in early June, a Bill introducing no-fault divorce (the ostensible ‘quickie’ divorce) was supported in the House of Commons by 231 votes to 16.
The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill’s second reading has now almost certainly passed since the time of writing. The upshot is that, in just a few months, couples will only have to give notice of their intentions to divorce rather than having to prove that their marriage has irretrievably broken down.
Justice Secretary Robert Buckland, who is driving the Bill, said that the law will reduce conflict and make legal processes ‘less painful’.
