What is the Current Divorce Law?

Some might say this has been a long time overdue but a change is now on the horizon. The Government has submitted a proposed change to existing divorce law for Parliament to debate which if agreed will amend the current procedure for divorce across England and Wales. This will allow separating couples to divorce more quickly and without blame.

Existing Law

At present to divorce the parties need to have been married for 1 year and the petitioner has to show that the marriage has broken down irretrievably by stating one of five facts:

Adultery
Unreasonable behaviour
Desertion for at least two years
Living apart for at least two years with consent from your spouse to divorce
Living apart for at least five years

This means that if you wish to divorce prior to being separated for 2 years you must show some blame/fault on the part of your spouse either by way