Last updated on February 16th, 2017 at 12:18 pm

Is blame the easiest option?

Research carried out by Resolution in June 2015 found half of all divorce petitions were fault based and, of those petitions, 27% said the fault cited wasn’t true, but was the easiest option moving forward.

Should UK follow other countries’ no blame divorce example?

The current divorce law in the UK is set in legislation dating back to 1973 – the Matrimonial Causes Act, and previous attempts to revise it have failed.  At present the sole ground for divorce in England & Wales is the irretrievable breakdown of marriage which has to be supported by 1 of 5 facts.  There are calls for the UK to follow countries such as Canada, Australia, America and Spain, who have a ‘no fault’ or ‘no blame’ divorce system in place.  Here, couples are encouraged to end their relationship, and make arrangements in respect of children and finances, amicably.

The no fault system was introduced in Canada in 1968, where collaborative divorce solutions are encouraged and have increased and where shared parenting has become the norm.

The good divorce

Journalist, Zosia Bielski, of Canada’s The Globe and Mail, has written a very interesting article about the ‘good divorce’ in which she says:

“Divorce doulas, seamless co-parenting, even time-sharing the family home – these are the hallmarks of the amicable divorce and, as Zosia Bielski reports, they’re gaining ground and radically changing the way we live apart”

Graysons’ family solicitor, Nicola Cancellara, says “all too often separating couples point the finger of blame on the other causing resentment and difficulties.

Even though we don’t have the no fault system in the UK at the moment – and there are calls for it (see article on our website), divorce doesn’t have to be about blame.  By working together and coming to an amicable agreement over the end of a relationship, you can save time, money and emotional strain.

It’s important to have an understanding solicitor on board: one who can advise you on taking a conciliatory, non-confrontational approach and help you create your own ‘good divorce’.

Graysons’ family solicitors encourage conciliation

Nicola Cancellara

All of our family solicitors understand the emotional stress separation brings and strive to get the best possible outcome for our clients, with a realistic and conciliatory approach.

So if you are looking to end your marriage or partnership in a dignified way, and perhaps maintain a civilised relationship with your ex; putting children’s interests at the forefront of your decisions – contact us now.