Here is the last in what we hope are a series of briefings for parliamentarians on the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill. This briefing summarises the research evidence for each of the amendments put down in relation to the divorce/dissolution process:
- Doubling the minimum period from six months to one year (Amendment 1)
- Defining the start of proceedings (Amendments 2 & 4)
- Bar on financial provision proceedings (Amendments 3 & 5)
- Funding for marriage support services (NC1 & Amendment 7)
- Reporting on the impact of law reform (NC2)
- Retention of fault with one year (with consent) and five years separation (NC3)
The conclusion is that none of the amendments are consistent with the research evidence.
With a little luck, and based on the overwhelming support for the Bill at Second Reading (and in the Lords before that), we might soon have a new divorce law that is fit for the 21st century and that would support families going through a difficult transition, rather than causing unnecessary conflict.
