Ahead of the general election on Thursday next week Resolution has launched their own manifesto asking the next parliament to support policies for no-fault divorce, legal protection for cohabiting couples at the end of their relationship; protecting victims of domestic abuse; and funding for early legal advice for separating couples.
Resolution is the national membership body representing 6,500 family justice professionals. Our members work with separating families every day, to support them to resolve disputes as constructively as possible, with a strong focus on putting the best interests of children first.
However, the current legal framework hampers our members’ efforts. Every day we see the impact of the current failings in the family justice system, and we are calling on all political parties in England and Wales to support our campaign for Fairness for Families.
Fairness for Families focuses on four key areas for reform: no-fault divorce; legal protection for cohabiting couples at the end of their relationship; protecting victims of domestic abuse; and funding for early legal advice for separating couples.
On top of the emotional cost of family breakdown, it is estimated to cost the country £51bn per year. We believe that by making the family justice system fairer, and supporting those most in need, these costs can be significantly reduced.
We call on all political parties and candidates to support our call for reform and commit to bringing forward and supporting legislation at the earliest opportunity in the next Parliament.
No-Fault Divorce
- The current divorce process requires many people to blame their spouse on their divorce petition. This is unnecessary and can introduce or increase conflict.
- The previous Parliament gave overwhelming support to the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill, which would have removed this requirement.
- No-Fault Divorce has support from professionals, politicians from across the political spectrum, senior members of the judiciary and the public. Supporters include the Marriage Foundation and Lady Hale, President of the Supreme Court.
- We call on all parties and candidates to support the reintroduction and passage of no-fault divorce legislation as soon as possible.
Read the full article on the Resolution website, or view the Resolution Fairness for Families Manifesto.
If you want you can also download and print the Fairness for Families pledge poster.
