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Kingsley Napley’s Medical Negligence Team ‘walks together’ with the Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity
Sharon Burkill
The introduction of the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 on 6 April 2022, bringing in the long-awaited “no-fault divorce”, is considered to be one of the most significant reforms of family law in many years. Although not widely commented on, it also potentially signifies an important step for the LGBTQ community.
Family proceedings are generally conducted in private due to the personal and intimate nature of those proceedings. There have been increasing concerns that the lack of transparency regarding family proceedings reduces accountability and confidence in the court system. Despite repeated pushes towards more openness over the last two decades, the reality is that very little has changed.
On 6 April 2022 family lawyers celebrated the long awaited arrival of no-fault divorce. Couples looking to bring their marriage to an end now no longer face a choice between apportioning blame, with a fault based petition, or facing a delay of two or five years to avoid the need to play the “blame game”.
The Children Act 1989 (the “Act”) is a significant piece of legislation in the history of family law. It brought together existing legislation and strengthened protections for children, placing a greater emphasis on their needs and interests. Parents, guardians and those with parental responsibility can apply to the court for a child arrangements order, a prohibited steps order or a specific issue order under section 8 of the Act, without permission from the court.
The long awaited “no fault divorce” has finally become a reality in England and Wales following the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act (2020) coming in to force on 6 April. This brings with it significant changes to the way in which married couples separate in this jurisdiction, all with the aim of reducing the opportunity for conflict.
Sharon Burkill
Natalie Cohen
Caroline Sheldon
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