How Divorce Reforms Will Affect Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch

02 Oct 2019

As some of you know, divorce laws in the UK are set for a major change, allowing couples to apply for a ‘no-fault’ divorce. But what does this mean for the people of Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch? See what our Head of Family Law and Partner, Emma Hamilton Cole, thinks below…

Currently, anyone seeking divorce has to prove that their partner is at fault due to adultery, desertion or ‘unreasonable behaviour’. This can take up to a year to be granted. However, the proposed reforms will allow couples to apply for a ‘no fault’ divorce, which could make the process quicker and more harmonious.

Brexit means that the Government’s time and focus is away from important issues such as reforming divorce laws. However, the bill is still viable and will resume progress through the House of Commons, given the reversal of prorogation. But if the Bill is passed, it will significantly shake-up the current outdated law, dating back to 1973, which will impact local people looking to divorce

There is a reasonably high divorce rate in the area per capita, although the overall divorce rate in the UK is decreasing. Any way in which we can improve the stressful process will be positive. The proposed changes don’t mean that divorce will be ‘easy’, but it does give couples the opportunity to split in a more amicable way from the start.

There is also a good number of experienced family solicitors and mediators in our area and this strong community of family solicitors can work collaboratively for the benefit of our clients, sharing best practices together. The proposed changes in divorce laws will no-doubt enhance the constructive collaborative approach as family solicitors adjust to these changes.

Many of the local solicitors are members of Resolution, including Williams Thompson. Resolution is an organisation that promotes a non-confrontational approach to family problems. Owing to this aim, Resolution was at the forefront of the push for divorce reforms, with many of the solicitors in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole also actively supporting these reforms.

Our divorce services aims to avoid acrimony for all parties – whatever the circumstance. If you’d like to know more about our divorce service, or an initial no obligation appointment, get in touch by emailing enquiries@williamsthompson.co.uk or call 01202 484242.