"No-fault" divorce

Richard Bacon, the South Norfolk MP, has said that couples should be able to apply for an amiable “no-fault” divorce if they felt that their marriage has broken down.

The Conservative MP has proposed a rectification to family law which would allow couples to say there is no fault in a break-up by signing a declaration which states that the marriage has broken down irreparably.

Married couples have to currently provide evidence of unreasonable behaviour, adultery, desertion or separation without consent, while applying for a divorce.

MPs had passed the first reading of the Bill, although the Conservative MP, Sir Edward Leigh opposed to the idea. Sir Edward Leigh stated that a no-fault divorce would mean having a “large widespread and demonstrable effect” on society. He also mentioned that it would make divorce “easier” and more common.

However, Richard Bacon said that divorce is a “tragedy” and shouldn't be made easier, but the Bill would allow couples to part without “throwing mud” at each other.