Telford lawyer supports calls for ‘no fault’ divorce

Respected matrimonial expert Gurdip Kaur Brring has described recent comments from Sir Nicholas Wall as ‘practical and refreshing’ after the country’s top judge claimed society had moved away from viewing permanent separation as shameful.

The concept of no fault divorce was originally proposed within the Family Law Act 1996 and scrapped by the Blair government after the idea was strongly criticised by politicians and family groups. At present, couples can be legally parted within six months if one party is shown to be at fault.

Miss Kaur Brring, partner at Telford-based law firm MFG Solicitors, said: “There is no doubt that current divorce laws are outdated and the recent comments from Sir Nicholas Wall underlined perfectly why legal figures have been lobbying strongly for the no fault divorce law to be introduced.

“Divorce is a process where couples are often stunned to learn that the person who commences divorce proceedings is, at some stage, going to have to make allegations against the other person. It all boils down to conflict which is often unnecessary. Therefore, the introduction of no fault divorce legislation would mean a huge reduction in friction and emotional harm as there will be no blame factor.

“Those people who are criticising the comments from Sir Nicholas should look at the hard facts. No fault divorces being given the green light will shorten the time couples spend obtaining a stressful divorce as the process will be far more straightforward.”

Miss Kaur Brring added that the vast majority of couples she meets have already made the tough decision to end their marriage.

She continued: “It’s practical and refreshing to see the issue being brought back to the table as it mirrors how couples are feeling and what they expect in 21st century Britain. The current legislation represents society of a long-gone age and it’s something the government must act upon.”