Divorce law never stands still for long and while some changes make life easier, others leave people wondering what it all means.
If you’re going through a separation, advising a friend, or simply keeping your professional knowledge sharp, here’s a quick round-up of what’s been happening in the divorce world and how it may affect divorcing couples and their nearest and dearest.
Why divorce law still feels unpredictable
Divorce law is famously discretionary. It’s often said that if 10 judges were handed the same case, you’d get 11 different outcomes.
For clients, that unpredictability can feel deeply frustrating. For lawyers, it creates space for argument. And for everyone involved, it often leads to more stress and higher costs.
Although the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 remains largely untouched, the landscape around it is shifting. Here’s a round-up of the recent changes and what’s on the horizon.
Key updates and upcoming changes
No-Fault Divorce (April 2022)
Couples no longer need to assign blame in order to divorce. The process can now be started online, which has certainly simplified the legal side of ending a marriage.
But — and it’s a big but — resolving the finances and children arrangements remain as complex as ever.
Push Towards Non-Court Solutions (Feb 2024)
New rules now encourage separating couples to settle disputes outside of court.
Those who refuse to engage in mediation or other options risk being ordered to pay the other party’s legal costs.
Law Commission Review (Dec 2024)
The Law Commission published a paper stating that the current system doesn’t offer couples a clear or fair framework.
- Among its recommendations: Introduce qualifying pre- and post-nuptial agreements
- But not at the expense of meeting the basic financial needs of either party or any children
Fast-Track Divorce Pilot (Feb 2025)
The courts have started trialling a quicker process for divorces involving assets under £250,000 – a welcome move for those whose finances aren’t complex, but still need clarity and speed.
Video Hearings Now the Norm
Remote hearings are becoming increasingly standard, except in high-value or especially complicated cases. For many, this change makes the process more accessible… and less intimidating. A Rise in Later-Life Divorce According to the Office for National Statistics, the over-60s are now the fastest-growing group divorcing in the UK and with property, pensions and investments accumulated over decades, these splits can carry significant financial implications.
Cohabitation: Still No Clear Rights (Yet)
Despite ongoing discussion, there’s still no formal legal protection for cohabiting couples in England and Wales. While reform has been debated for years, no changes are expected this year.
Divorce remains emotionally and legally complex, but the legal system is evolving. While the fundamentals haven’t shifted much, these updates reflect a growing recognition that the process needs to be fairer, faster, and more accessible.
We are a team of 5 experienced lawyers but, what makes us different to a firm of solicitors, is that we are acting as divorce consultants. We help people navigate the legal maze and stop them making expensive mistakes. We use our experience of the divorce process to find solutions to lower the temperature and save money.
If the above resonates or you know someone who may benefit from speaking to us, please do contact me. We don’t charge for an initial consultation.