The new divorce regime has been in place for almost 14 months. It is probably well known by now that couples can divorce without providing reasons, but a 20 week cooling off period then follows, before the next stage in the divorce can be applied for.

However, in a recent case it was successfully argued that this wait should be reduced for an individual who had a life limiting illness. Making the individual wait 20 weeks resulted in a delay to achieving financial independence and therefore the ability to make plans in relation to their estate. 

Although the legislation does not set out what exceptions could be used to justify a reduction to the period of reflection, it is a challenge worth considering if time is not on someone's side.