Changes to the divorce system in England and Wales for the first time in 50 years will remove the concept of fault and could speed up the process. <\/strong><\/p>\n The Government said the changes would spare people the need to \u2018play the blame game\u2019 and would strip out the \u2018needless antagonism this creates so families can better move on\u2019.<\/p>\n Here, Which? takes a closer look at the changes and how they could impact your money.<\/p>\n Under current law, if you\u2019re seeking divorce you need to give a reason why the marriage broke down and you can choose one of three reasons \u2013\u00a0adultery, unreasonable behaviour and desertion.<\/p>\n If you don\u2019t want to give a reason, you can apply for a divorce if you\u2019ve been separated for more than two years (if you both agree to the divorce) or if you\u2019ve been separated for five (if one spouse contests it).<\/p>\n The new law will no longer require married couples or civil partnerships to establish one of these five facts and instead either or both parties can apply to the court for an order which dissolves the marriage on the ground that it has broken down irretrievably.<\/p>\n It means you can save money on needless legal arguments over who was at fault.<\/p>\n Couples can mutually cite \u2018irretrievable breakdown\u2019 as the sole ground for wanting a divorce \u2013 and this can be done as a joint statement.<\/p>\n The application can be made online and if made by one spouse, there will be no requirement for the respondent to defend or to cross apply for a divorce.<\/p>\n The new changes will also stop one partner contesting the divorce, dissolution or separation if the other wants one. The government said the ability to contest a divorce is currently used in less than 2% of cases.<\/p>\n This could help victims of domestic abuse as previously their abusers were able to exercise coercive control over them by stopping it.<\/p>\n Though it\u2019s worth pointing out that under the new law, divorce can still be challenged on the basis of jurisdiction, the legal validity of the marriage, fraud or coercion and procedural compliance.<\/p>\n The new law will update divorce language.<\/p>\n The new law introduces a minimum period of 20 weeks between the initial application and the Conditional Order.<\/p>\n This means a divorce will take at least six months or more to complete.<\/p>\n The Government said this would provide couples with a \u2018meaningful period of reflection and the chance to reconsider\u2019. Where divorce is inevitable, it says it will allow couples to cooperate and plan for the future.<\/p>\n The new law will keep the existing six week period between the Conditional Order and when the Final Order can be made.<\/p>\n Stephanie Boyce, president of The Law Society said: \u2018\u2019No fault\u2019 divorce will cut unnecessary conflict from the separation process \u2013 allowing couples to move on amicably.<\/span><\/p>\n \u2018This divorce reform will bring our marriage laws into the 21<\/span>st<\/span> century and ensure that, in the future, separating couples and their children do not suffer unnecessary conflict.\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n1.\u00a0 You no longer need a \u2018fault\u2019<\/h2>\n
2. Couples can make a joint application<\/h2>\n
3. One spouse cannot contest the divorce<\/h2>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\n4. Divorce terms will change<\/h2>\n
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5. You will have to wait 20 weeks before an order<\/h2>\n
6. Lawyers have welcomed the changes<\/h2>\n
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