In our last update we noted that two key bills for family law - the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation bill and Domestic Abuse bill – had been dropped as a result of the unlawful suspension of Parliament in September 2019. Now, as part of the new Queen’s Speech delivered on 14 October 2019, those bills have been reintroduced.
The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill introduces changes to divorce law which will enable an individual to apply for a divorce without having to accuse the other party of wrong-doing or without having to wait for a lengthy period before they are able to divorce.
The Domestic Abuse Bill introduces changes to family law to prevent domestic abuse victims from being cross-examined by their perpetrators.
The Government’s Prorogation of Parliament was subject to appeal in the Supreme Court. All eleven Lord Justices of the Supreme Court ruled unanimously on 24 September 2019, that the Government’s prorogation of Parliament was unlawful and that Parliament was not “prorogued”. As a result MPs reconvened on 25 September 2019 to sit in the House of Commons.
We will continue to update on the progress of the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill and the Domestic Abuse Bill as they travel through Parliament.
If you require advice or information on any aspect of Family Law please contact our lawyers - Mitali Zakaria, Somia Siddiq, Priyanka Chakravarty or Alexandra Wilks.