Key lessons for family lawyers as relationship landscapes change and rise of ‘no-fault divorces’—Today’s Family Lawyer
Family partner Hannah Minty and associate Kate Macdonald have co-authored an article in Today’s Family Lawyer outlining the key takeaways from the latest ONS statistics on divorce.
The figures, which are based on the number of divorces finalised rather than applied for in 2022, appear to show that there have been a decrease in the number of divorces, but this may not give the full picture.
In the article, the team says that while rates may genuinely have fallen, it is possible that the minimum waiting period requirement with a ‘no-fault’ divorce may be affecting the data.
They add that the statistic suggests less than half of divorcing couples are finalising their financial agreement in a court order, which could leave them financially vulnerable, and comment on the need for reformed legislation to further protect cohabiting couples.
Even while divorce rates may, in the long run, decline overall therefore, this does not necessarily reflect the changes to relationship norms and familial arrangements, and the challenges faced by couples, of whatever variety, when they are going through a separation.”
The full article is available to read online at Today's Family Lawyer.
Hannah Minty and Kate Macdonald are in the family team. They advise clients from all backgrounds on divorce and financial matters, jurisdictional disputes, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, property disputes between cohabitees, and financial claims on behalf of children following the breakdown of relationships between unmarried couples.
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