School holidays are underway, and family lawyers are preparing for a familiar seasonal trend with several enquiries relating to separation.
Summer often brings additional pressure for couples already experiencing disagreements. Disrupted routines, the demands of childcare, financial strain, and increased time together can push relationships to breaking point. Whilst separation is never easy, recent changes to divorce law in England and Wales are helping couples manage the process with less conflict.
Changes to Divorce Law: No-Fault Divorce Framework
Under the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, couples can now end their marriage without assigning fault. The introduction of no-fault removes the need to provide evidence, and marital breakdown is a sufficient reason for a divorce.
Divorce is already an emotionally difficult process. Under the old system, assigning blame often heightened tensions and made cooperation harder. With the new approach, we can support couples in focusing on practical solutions, particularly when it comes to arrangements for children and financial agreements.
Although the current framework eradicates blame, which can be beneficial to an unstable relationship, feelings can still remain intense. One area that has drawn increasing concern is covert recording in family disputes.
New guidance from the Family Justice Council cautions against secretly recording children or ex-partners during disagreements. While some parents believe recordings will strengthen their position, the courts take a cautious approach. Covert recordings can raise privacy issues, be taken out of context, and cause psychological distress.
Contact Howell Jones Family Lawyers Today
Family law professionals can encourage a more open, child-focused approach to resolving disputes. The no-fault framework makes it easier to prioritise solutions that protect children’s wellbeing and reduce long-term conflict.
Our Surrey solicitors have the expertise and guidance to help. Please feel free to contact our Surrey family law team on 0800 011 9813 to receive expert legal advice early on and to obtain the right support, so your family can move forward constructively.
