Data apparently shows an increase in final divorce orders in the first quarter of 2023. Of those final orders, 2/3rds were pronounced under the no fault regime introduced in 2022. Is this an indication that the no fault regime is leading to more efficient and quicker divorces? Not necessarily.

Many sensible couples waited until the new no fault law was introduced in April 2022 to apply for a divorce, specifically to avoid having to apportion blame between them, or because they wanted to apply jointly.  This reported surge may simply be reflective of the bottle neck of cases created by those sensible couples who delayed a divorce until the new law came in. Their cases would naturally be concluding in the first quarter of 2023, if one allows time to resolve the financial aspects of that divorce.  

The requirement to apply digitally has certainly streamlined the divorce process, making it more affordable for those who need to use it. Undoubtedly, the changes introduced last year have been a change for the better.

If you need any advice regarding a potential divorce, or its implications for you and your family, please do contact one of the family team.