‘Unmodern’ laws need to catch up quickly

Resolution, the organisation of family lawyers and other professionals in England and Wales, has today published its ‘Manifesto for Family Law’ which sets out what the government should do in order to improve the lives of separating and separated families across England and Wales.

There is no doubt that the current laws surrounding divorce, dissolution and separation are often a minefield and can therefore provide barriers to finding constructive outcomes for couples and families.

Resolution see six key areas where changes are needed to our family justice system:-

1. Protect vulnerable people going through separation
2. Introduce measures to help separating people reach agreements out of court
3. Introduce a parenting charter to help parents understand their responsibilities when they separate
4. Allow people to divorce without blame
5. Help people understand how their divorce will affect their future finances
6. Provide at least basic legal rights for unmarried couples who live together if they separate

It is hoped that the Manifesto will influence politicians, government bodies and other influential figures to bring changes to the way we deal with relationship breakdown. With about 118,000 divorces a year and the number of cohabiting couples reaching 2.9m in 2013 it is essential that our laws surrounding family breakdown are brought into the modern world for modern families with the creation of a better system.

I am all too often aware that the current law around divorce and separation encourages conflict. Conflict has far reaching implications for the whole family, not least the children. I therefore welcome the proposed changes.

All our lawyers are Resolution members and as such are committed to the constructive resolution of family disputes. We always promote a non-confrontational approach to family problems and consider the needs of the whole family, in particular the children.

You can read the Manifesto here: http://www.resolution.org.uk/site_content_files/files/resolution_manifesto_for_family_law.pdf