Reform of divorce laws will increase divorce numbers

The Justice Secretary has told MPs that the total number of marriages ending will increase as a function of the forthcoming divorce reforms. David Gauke reported that it was time to end the "blame game".

 

The Reform Bill was passed at its second reading in the House of Commons and is therefore likely to be adopted into law. 

 

In an attempt to reduce conflict between those divorcing the current fault based system is expected to be changed as such the, "The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill" aims to allow proceedings to start immediately.

 

Mr Gauke, Justice Secretary said that he expected the amendments to lead to a spike in the divorce rate. He later suggested the numbers were expected to tail off.

 

He commented, "There will be, for example, people who currently are waiting for two or five years for a divorce and that divorce will be brought forward".

 

There were 110,000 divorces in England and Wales last year.

 

MPs are concerned about the short-term rise in marriage splits if the Bill is passed as it is currently planned. "So, the likelihood is there will be an increase because of, if you like, that waiting list. But the international evidence suggests that once that initial spike has been dealt with – in a steady state – the divorce rate is unlikely to increase and it is likely to remain much the same."

 

The Conservative MP for Congleton, Fiona Bruce, said: "[This bill] sends out a signal that marriage can be unilaterally exited on notice by one party with little if any recourse for the party that has been left." She further commented, "A signal, I fear, that marriage need no longer be entered into with the intention of it being a lifelong commitment as it is today."

 

An opposing voice came from Labour MP Richard Burgon who said it would, "encourage amicable separations" and reduce the toxic effect engendered on all those involved in a divorce.

 

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