With 1.7m divorcing couples compelled to assign blame, experts from Williams Thompson Solicitors in Christchurch have joined a national campaign for divorce reform.
Family Law experts at Williams Thompson Solicitors LLP, are calling for urgent reforms to divorce law in England and Wales. In particular, they are keen to highlight the current legal requirement to assign blame during divorceproceedings, which is making it harder for couples to reach an amicable agreement around property, finances and children during their separation.
Campaigning for greater public awareness and support for the ‘No Fault Divorce’ campaign, Williams Thompson is home to two Family Law Solicitors. Both are trained Mediators and members of Resolution, a 6500 strong group of professionals committed to the constructive resolution of family disputes.
Calls for urgent reform follow the recent Owens Vs Owens Supreme Court judgement. Mrs Owens wish for divorce was denied as the allegations she had made were decided to be inadequate to show that Mr Owen’s behaviour was such that she could not reasonably be expected to live with him. To date, current laws have compelled over 1.7m people in the UK to apportion blame to divorce since 1996.
Charlotte Millard, Family Solicitor at Williams Thompson, said:
“We believe strongly that couples should be allowed to separate without having to apportion blame. Divorce is difficult enough on both parties and the legal requirement to assign blame makes it harder for couples to reach amicable agreements over important issues, including those relating to their children.’’
Emma Hamilton Cole, Head of Family Law and Partner at Williams Thompson Solicitors, said:
“It’s time to tell the government to allow couples to divorce without blame and introduce much-needed reform.Until then, we aim to help couples avoid difficult situations such as the one highlighted in the case of Mrs Owens by following best practice on the drafting of divorce petitions. We also offer a variety of options to resolve financial, children and practical issues including mediation, collaborative practice and other constructive negotiation options.’’
To find out more or to contact Williams Thompson Solicitors visit: www.williamsthompson.co.uk.
