Law Society publishes parliamentary briefing on Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill

The Law Society has published a briefing on the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill.

The bill, which had its first reading in the House of Lords on 7 January, introduces a system of no-fault divorce.

The Law Society unequivocally welcomes and supports legislation to introduce no-fault divorce.

The bill will:

• replace the requirement to provide evidence of conduct or separation with a new requirement to provide a statement of irretrievable breakdown followed by an overall period of notice of 26 weeks

• remove the possibility of contesting the divorce as the statement of irretrievable breakdown will be taken as determinative of such

• introduce the option for a joint application

• update the language used to ensure it is fit for the modern age; for example decree nisi to conditional order and decree nisi to final order